“Bad Apples,” directed by Jonatan Etzler, is a darkly comic drama focusing on the challenges teachers face with unruly students, exemplified by the chaotic student Danny (Eddie Waller). His disruptive behavior threatens the timid teacher Maria (Saoirse Ronan), who faces the possibility of losing her job if she cannot control him. The film explores the pressures of a rigid education system unable to accommodate difficult children, turning comedic moments into powerful statements about vulnerability and discipline.
After accidentally injuring Danny while trying to prevent his vandalism, Maria locks him in her basement to protect her job during an impending inspection. The film poses the moral question: would you sympathize with a teacher who kidnaps an unruly student? Despite its extreme premise, Ronan’s nuanced performance skillfully draws viewers into Maria’s turbulent emotional landscape, as she transforms from desperate to resourceful.
Ronan’s relationship with Danny eventually takes a complex turn, revealing ironies—his life chances improve while imprisoned, as Maria tutors and cares for him. However, the film maintains a somber tone, reminding us of his tragic situation as the narrative unfolds.
As tensions escalate, classmate Pauline (Nia Brown) discovers Danny’s secret, leading to blackmail that intensifies the drama. Etzler and writer Jess O’Kane use humor and pathos to criticize an educational system more focused on outcomes than the well-being of students and teachers alike. The film invites reflection on societal roles in education, ultimately delivering a critique wrapped in humor. “Bad Apples” opens in UK cinemas on September 18.
