🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Hannah Fidell
- Genre: Drama, Indie
- Release year: 2013
- Runtime (length): 1h 15min
- IMDb rating: 4.8/10 (5.6K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 61%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Teacher gets a bad grade in ethics and decides to fail at adulting.
🍿 A Teacher: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to Diana and Eric
Diana Watts, a high school teacher, develops an inappropriate relationship with one of her students, Eric Tull. The film opens by establishing Diana’s isolation and her dissatisfaction with her current life, setting the stage for her attraction to Eric. This attraction grows gradually, fueled by their interactions in the classroom and outside of it.

The Affair Begins
The relationship between Diana and Eric intensifies, leading to a full-blown affair. They begin meeting secretly, and their interactions become increasingly risky. The film explores the power dynamics at play and the potential consequences of their actions. The escalating nature of the affair is driven by Diana’s increasingly erratic behavior.

Consequences and Fallout
The affair is eventually discovered, leading to significant consequences for both Diana and Eric. Diana faces professional and personal repercussions, while Eric’s life is also dramatically altered. The film delves into the aftermath of their actions and the impact on their families and community.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Diana Watts (Lindsay Burdge): A high school teacher who engages in an inappropriate relationship with one of her students.
- Eric Tull (Will Brittain): The high school student who becomes involved in a compromising relationship with his teacher.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Diana Watts: “I just wanted to be close to you.” – Expresses Diana’s desire for intimacy and connection with Eric, revealing her motivation behind the inappropriate relationship.
- Diana Watts: “Don’t tell anyone.” – Highlights the secrecy and the power imbalance inherent in their relationship, as Diana tries to control the situation.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $20,000
- Domestic Gross: $36,887
- Worldwide Gross: $43,587
💥 A Teacher Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, ‘A Teacher’ definitely made me uncomfortable, but in a way that sparked a lot of thought. I felt like I was watching a train wreck in slow motion, dreading the inevitable. Lindsay Burdge’s performance was chillingly believable; I could feel her desperation and isolation. It’s a hard watch, but it leaves you pondering the complexities of human behavior, and the consequences of one’s choices. The ending…wow. I’m still processing it!
- Who would enjoy:
- “Viewers interested in thought-provoking dramas”
- “Those who appreciate films exploring complex moral issues”
- “Adults interested in stories about forbidden relationships”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Sexually suggestive scenes”
- “Explicit content”
- “Inappropriate relationships”
- “Mature themes”
- “Discussion of sexual abuse”
Professional Reviews
- IndieWire: “”A Teacher” delicately handles a controversial subject, showcasing Lindsay Burdge’s powerful performance as a teacher grappling with forbidden desires, even if the film skims over deeper character motivations.
- Variety: “Hannah Fidell’s ‘A Teacher’ explores the complexities of a taboo relationship with an understated approach, focusing on the psychological descent of the protagonist, though it lacks narrative depth and conclusive insights.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “Despite Lindsay Burdge’s commendable acting, ‘A Teacher’ struggles to justify its premise, offering a superficial examination of a teacher-student affair without delving into meaningful character development or delivering a compelling narrative.
Audience Reactions
Lindsay Burdge’s performance was captivating and realistic, showcasing the teacher’s internal struggles.: Most viewers appreciated the film’s raw and unsettling portrayal of a controversial relationship.
The film’s simplicity and focus on the characters’ emotions resonated with audiences.: Many felt the movie evoked strong emotions, though some found it disturbing.
Overall Consensus: A Teacher is a thought-provoking but unsettling drama, praised for Lindsay Burdge’s performance but criticized for its lack of character development and ambiguous narrative.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “A Teacher was writer-director Hannah Fidell’s debut feature film.”
- “The film explores the complexities and ethical issues surrounding teacher-student relationships.”
- “Lindsay Burdge’s performance as Diana Watts was critically acclaimed for its portrayal of a woman struggling with her desires and actions.”
🖥️ How to Watch A Teacher?
Currently, ‘A Teacher’ is available for streaming on various platforms, including Tubi with ads. You can rent or purchase the movie on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check these services for the most up-to-date pricing and availability in your region. Consider subscribing to a streaming service that offers ‘A Teacher’ as part of its library for the most cost-effective viewing.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed A Teacher, you might like these similar films:
- Notes on a Scandal (2006): Deals with a similar theme of inappropriate relationships between teachers and students and the devastating consequences.
- Thirteen (2003): Explores the complex dynamics of teenage desire and the vulnerabilities that can lead to exploitation.
- Pretty Persuasion (2005): A dark comedy that tackles themes of manipulation and power dynamics within the school system.
🛒 A Teacher Related Products
- A Teacher (2020) – Hulu Series – Digital Download: Explore a nuanced retelling of the story with Kate Mara in the lead role, diving deeper into the characters’ backstories and the consequences of their actions. Available for digital download on Amazon Prime Video.
- The Stanford Prison Experiment [Blu-ray]: Delve into another exploration of power dynamics and ethical boundaries with this disturbing recreation of the famous Stanford Prison Experiment. Another great study of human nature when ethics and boundaries are pushed.
- Notes on a Scandal [DVD]: This film explores similar themes of inappropriate relationships and the dangers of obsession, featuring stellar performances by Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett.
- Unorthodox [DVD]: A young woman who’s part of an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, flees to Berlin, where she begins to live a secular life; however, her past comes back to haunt her. A great film that explores moral boundaries.
🎧 Soundtrack
A Teacher features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
‘A Teacher’ is a drama that explores the controversial and illegal relationship between a high school teacher and one of her students, examining the power dynamics and devastating consequences.
You can watch ‘A Teacher’ on Tubi (with ads). It is also available for rent or purchase on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu.
‘A Teacher’ is a fictional story, but it explores themes and issues that are unfortunately prevalent in real life. It aims to shed light on the complexities and potential dangers of such relationships.
🔥 Bonus Content
A Teacher Movie CLIP – Someone’s Here (2013) – Drama Movie HD
Want a quick peek into ‘A Teacher’? This clip shows a pivotal scene and gives you a feel for the movie’s intensity. Honestly, it’s super gripping and makes you wonder what happens next!
Tutoring Session Leads To Relationship That Gets Her Fired | A Teacher Mini-Series
Need a quick refresher on the entire ‘A Teacher’ storyline? This recap breaks it all down in just 14 minutes, making it easy to follow. It’s a great way to remember all the key moments!
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