The Teachers' Lounge (2023) Movie review

 Crafting an intense thriller from everyday occurrences is no small feat, but Ilker Çatak manages to achieve just that with "The Teacher's Lounge." This gripping film, reminiscent of the tension in "Uncut Gems," thrusts viewers into the tumultuous world of a young teacher, Carla Nowak, navigating a German secondary school plagued by theft and paranoia.

Portrayed by Leonie Benesch, Carla is an idealistic math and physical education teacher who believes in the responsibility of citizens to look out for one another. Her commitment to doing good leads her into a maze of regrettable decisions when a student is accused of theft based on an anonymous tip. The film delves into the consequences of this accusation, hinting at potential racism, and triggers a heightened fear of theft in Carla.

The plot takes a thrilling turn when Carla, during a break in the teachers' lounge, decides to leave her laptop with a hidden camera running. Upon her return, she discovers missing cash from her wallet. The best movie expertly employs a paranoid thriller aesthetic, revealing only a sleeve with a star pattern – the same pattern worn by a staffer in an adjacent office. The probability of two women in a small school wearing the same distinctive blouse raises suspicion.

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As the narrative unfolds, complications arise, casting doubt on initial certainties. Carla, once confident in her accusations, starts to regret opening her mouth. The accused staffer's son, a student in Carla's class, retaliates by orchestrating a campaign to defame her. The film cleverly plays with the audience's perceptions, offering close-ups that prompt thoughts like "That person is lying" or "That person is plotting against Carla."

Çatak keeps the audience firmly anchored in Carla's perspective, creating a shared sense of doubt. The story reveals Carla jeopardizing her job by making the recording, unknowingly breaking a rule against unauthorized personal surveillance on school property. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, underscoring the consequences of Carla's actions.

In essence, "The Teacher's Lounge" unfolds as a masterfully crafted thriller, weaving a web of suspicion and doubt around realistic characters, and challenging both Carla and the audience to question their assumptions. The film's success lies in its ability to turn everyday occurrences into a captivating, thought-provoking cinematic experience.

Think of this film like a meaningful story, a kind of lesson or moral tale. It portrays an ordinary place realistically, like a jury room in "Twelve Angry Men" or an island in "Lord of the Flies," symbolizing a larger system or set of ideals. In this case, it's a teacher's lounge representing more than just a school space. The film subtly tackles national, racial, and class tensions, weaving them into the plot without overtly highlighting them. Even the main character, Carla, faces a bit of "other-ization" for being Polish.

The film's brilliance lies in what it doesn't explicitly show, keeping many events outside the audience's and Carla's view. The direction, cinematography (handled by Judith Kaufmann), and editing (done by Gesa Jäger) are outstanding, making deliberate yet effortless choices. The movie opts for simplicity, often featuring basic shots of people talking or moving, sans elaborate music. Marvin Miller's sparing use of dissonant strings heightens the tension, adding to Carla's challenges.

If you've ever experienced a series of unfortunate events that spiraled out of control, making things worse with each response, that's the essence of "The Teacher's Lounge." Some might read this and decide it's not their cup of tea, while others will be intrigued to watch. For those who do, the film promises a genuine cinematic experience, not just bland "content." Directors like Çatak and co-writer Johannes Duncker delve into a unique thriller subcategory, shedding light on the complexities of everyday life, making it worth exploring.