Film Review: Saoirse Ronan Anchors Uneven School Horror-Satire 'Bad Apples'

A new black comedy titled "Bad Apples," directed by Jonatan Etzler, has been reviewed by The Guardian, with critics highlighting star Saoirse Ronan's performance as the film's strongest element despite what the review describes as an implausible plot and unclear satirical intent.

According to the review, the film is adapted by Etzler and co-screenwriter Jess O'Kane from a Swedish novel by Rasmus Lindgren titled "De Oönskade" ("The Unwanted"). The story is set in a primary school in England's West Country, where Ronan plays Maria, described as a hardworking and idealistic teacher whose classroom is disrupted by a violent pupil named Danny, played by Eddie Walker.

Per the review's summary of the plot, Danny seriously injures a classmate, and during a visit to his home, Maria accidentally causes him to lose consciousness. In panic, she reportedly hides him in her basement. The review states that with Danny removed from the classroom, the remaining students improve academically and behaviorally, and Maria receives a positive report from Ofsted, the UK's school inspection body, appearing to thrive despite her hidden actions.

The Guardian's review characterizes the film as "strange, heavy-handed and unpersuasive," suggesting that its success relies heavily on Ronan's star power, noting she is "incapable of giving an uninteresting performance." The review questions the film's status as a satire, asking what point it is attempting to make, and states it is neither shocking nor funny enough to fully succeed.

The review also mentions supporting cast member Nia Brown, who plays another pupil, Pauline, described in the film as a teacher's favorite whom Maria privately finds somewhat irritating.