Final Rating 3.5/5
“A little information is a dangerous thing.” With so much knowledge available at our fingertips, we’re more well informed than ever…in theory. With information comes misinformation, half truths and speculation. This is all at the heart of the German film: The Teachers’ Lounge directed by Ilker Çatak.
The story follows Ms. Nowak, (played by Leonie Benesch) an idealistic young teacher, new to a school, whose strong lead performance is one that’s grounded, yet resonates every needed sentiment required. The school is subject to a series of thefts, and as the staff attempt to find the culprit, the utilization of tension as the uncomfortable situation that has arisen unfolds, permeates the entire film as it propels the story forward.
One thing that is striking, in particular for those of us of a certain age, is how drastically different the dynamics at school’s are today, and what would have been the case when we were growing up. The insubordination, the students’ complaints that they are being silenced when they write their version of events, are all treated with the manner in which these matters are dealt with in our modern society, which in part, spurs on the drama.
Without giving too much away, there is an accusation of theft against, Ms. Kuhn (Eva Löbau), a long time administrator. However, the manner in which the evidence was obtained is called into question, and Ms. Nowak goes out of her way to try and protect people’s feelings. She even goes as far as to lie after Ms. Kuhn’s son Oskar (Leonard Stettnisch) her with her laptop in an effort to escape the school with it, and help his mother.
His frustration is understandable, as at first several of his classmates begin to make snide comments or conjecture about his mother and what she has done. However, after he threatens Ms. Nowak that if she doesn’t deny his mother committed the theft she’ll regret it, his fellow students rally around him and against the school for not disclosing the information as to why she was suspended. They begin acting out in solidarity in class, in an attempt to get some answers.
The frustrating thing is that there is never really a resolution to the inciting incident: the theft. For Simpsons fans, it has the nature of ‘When are they gonna get to the fireworks factory?” Ms. Kuhn is suspended pending an investigation, and there is reason to believe she’s guilty, but we never hear what’s going on with it.
Parents, having heard the news that students were questioned and even asked to turn in classmates if they may be guilty of the thefts, have their own concerns and turn on the teacher, when the simple explanation of “There’s an ongoing investigation.” would seem to suffice.
Ms. Kuhn even goes so far as to show up at parent’s night and accuse Ms. Nowak in front of everyone present of ruining her life, and spreading lies. This is met not with scrutiny, but rather accusatory rhetoric from the parents. Now, to play devil’s advocate, Ms. Kuhn has been there for years, and Ms. Nowak is new to the school so certainly familiarity would play a part in their trust in her. However, Ms. Nowak never truly stands her ground, as her idealistic nature is very non-confrontational and she wants to avoid further scrutiny. In doing so, this leads to more questions than answers, and even serves to paint Ms. Khun as a victim.
One thing that comes across as a strong suit is the power of misinformation. Throughout, people cling to the little bits of information they have and speculate on what they think they know, given the nature of the situation. We see this in our own world when, whether it be an actor, athlete or political figure, is brought under scrutiny. If the facts are unavailable, we assume them.
This is very evident in the way the parents discuss the situation in their group Whatsapp chat, or the story the students print in the paper after their interview with Ms. Nowak. It’s framed in such a way as to blame the school, and staff. As a result, her fellow teachers turn on her asking why she could allow for such a thing to happen without consulting them.
Overall the nature of how the story unfolds is engaging and well paced. The tension serves to keep viewers hooked and resonates in the lead performance. A number of the characters are allowed to voice their opinions and concerns which illustrates just how varied and wide spread the effects of such a situation stretch.
Leonie Benesch does a tremendous job of portraying someone who is attempting to do the right thing, while under pressure from the consequences of these actions. The stress weighing upon her is evident throughout. It’s easy to see how stories are spread, and leaves one to consider how their actions in such circumstances will appear not only to those directly affected, but as the ripples make their way outwards.
Check out previous coverage of The Teacher’s Lounge in our Best of VIFF blog and VIFF Wrap Up podcast.
Thank you to Mongrel Media and StarPR for the Screener.
