"Bad Apples": A Somber Satire on the Struggles of Schooling

In "Bad Apples", Saoirse Ronan plays Maria, a beleaguered teacher pushed to unconventional methods to cope with a difficult student, Eddie Waller in his striking debut role. Ronan, a seasoned actress, beautifully captures the exhaustion and frustration of an underpaid educator in a British primary school. The film is spearheaded by a group of fresh talent, including Jonatan Etzler's debut in directing English-language features and Jess O’Kane's adaption of the Swedish novel De Oonsade.

The comedic drama refuses to be boxed into one culture, moving from a Nordic environment to a British setting. It provides a unique exploration of the difficult task of balancing the needs of individuals versus the community. It's advisable to view the storyline with a light heart due to its tendency towards extreme implausibilities, especially in the final act.

As an outsider due to her Irish accent, Maria must manage her class at Ashton Brook Primary, including disruptive student Danny, played by Waller. When Danny's chaotic behavior injures a fellow student, he is suspended but due to the school's budget constraints, no extra support is provided for Maria in managing him. Drama ensues when Maria tries to inform Danny's single father about his suspension, leading to a series of unfortunate events that result in Maria taking drastic measures.

While the events in "Bad Apples" may not reflect a realistic portrayal of school management, it serves as a sharp critique of child-centered education and its challenges. The movie takes surprising turns as Maria's relationship with Danny evolves, revealing his own insecurities and needs.

Without Danny's disruptions, Maria's class begins to excel, leading to her being singled out for commendation during a surprise government inspection. Her relationships at the school improve, contrasting with the plight of Danny and his distraught father's desperate actions.

As the movie concludes, viewers are forced to question their own sympathies, particularly due to the inherently likable portrayal of Maria by Ronan. Waller also shines in his ability to portray the complex layers of Danny, raising questions about the impact of the direction of Etzler or simply natural talent.

Etzler showcases his talent in working with young actors, extracting authentic performances across the cast. The final subtle and unexpected revelations from Brown as clever Pauline, a student who seems to have a crush on Maria, adds another layer to the complexity of the plot. "Bad Apples" strikes a satisfactory, if somewhat dark note of closure, leaving audiences intrigued by the potential explosive sequel surrounding Pauline and Danny.