An iconic actor teams up with a Peaky Blinders star in this gripping British thriller that’s just been added to Netflix
The Lesson: Richard E. Grant stars in trailer
Netflix is now streaming an underrated thriller from two years ago that’s guaranteed to keep you on your toes.
Starring Richard E Grant and Daryl McCormack, fans and critics alike agree this psychological drama is “mesmerising”.
Unfortunately, it didn’t quite light the box office on fire upon its original release, though the streaming service has now given the film a well-deserved second chance at success.
Penned by Alex MacKeith and directed by Alice Troughton, in her feature film debut after working on iconic shows like EastEnders and Doctor Who, The Lesson deserves the top spot on your watchlist this week.
It follows aspiring writer Liam Summers (played by McCormack) who seemingly lands the perfect job, tutoring at the estate of one of his literary heroes, JM Sinclair (Grant).
However, his tenure soon takes a dark turn when his idol’s family secrets start to bubble to the surface and Liam becomes trapped in a web of deceit.
Awards Daily described the thriller as “meticulously crafted” and “mesmerising”, while The Spectator was particularly impressed by Grant’s “deliciously, marvellously, full-on monstrous” performance.
A fan writing on Google reviews also had nothing but praise for Grant’s co-star: “I can’t get over how incredible Daryl McCormack is in The Lesson!
“The plot twists had me on the edge of my seat, and the ending was absolutely mind-blowing – I never saw it coming!”
Another five-star review gushed: “The Lesson is a cinematic gem that is so refreshing, witty and entertaining till the very last musical note and cut to end credits.
“The stellar cast’s chemistry brings layers of brilliance to the script and to the screen. The editing, score and cinematography simply yet intentionally further elevate the storytelling, creating an unexpected well crafted masterpiece.”
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Someone else heaped on the praise: “Best film I have seen in a long time and I see a lot of films.
“It completely kept me riveted from the very beginning to the end and through the epilogue.
“An elegant, intelligent, writerly and artful example of a truly entertaining masterpiece. Loved it. I wish there were more like it.”
And a final fan summed up The Lesson as “simply brilliant” in yet another five-star write-up.
“Delightfully quirky, superbly filmed visually, nicely sinister in an almost tongue in cheek manner, brilliantly acted by all the actors.”
With this hidden gem of British cinema now on Netflix in the UK and Ireland, make sure The Lesson gets the attention film fans think it deserves this week.
The Lesson is available to stream on Netflix.
