The Lesson is a thriller that recently premiered at the Tribeca Festival. Liam Sommers (Daryl McCormack, Good Luck to Your, Leo Grande) is an aspiring writer who eagerly accepts a tutoring position at the family estate of his idol JM Sinclair (Richard E. Grant, Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard). Wanting to take advantage of a great opportunity, he finds himself caught in a web of family resentment, lies, and retribution.
The performances are outstanding and end up saving much of the film. McCormack is great as he transitions from the literature major who is initially overwhelmed to find himself tutoring Sinclair’s son to someone who experiences firsthand what they say about not meeting your heroes. At the same time, there is something mysterious about him. A glance here and a comment there seem to show he knows more than he is letting on.
Grant is magnificent as the patriarch who lords over his family with his belittling comments and short temper. As the Lesson progresses, Sinclair becomes more volatile and unpredictable. Everything leads to a wild climax that borders on overacting while managing to be enthralling. It is easily one of the best performances of the year.
It is a shame that the writing is unable to keep pace with its cast. Director Alice Troughton is able to create tension and writer Alex MacKeith has crafted some very interesting characters, but The Lesson comes apart during the final act. The well paced story is replaced by a number of twists and story conveniences. It is a disappointing ending to an otherwise great watch.
The Lesson releases in theaters July 7
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