Watch The English Teacher

The English Teacher is a 2013 comedy-drama film directed by Craig Zisk and starring Julianne Moore, Michael Angarano, and Greg Kinnear. It tells the story of Linda Sinclair (Moore), a high school English teacher in a small town in Pennsylvania. Linda is passionate about teaching and loves to see her students thrive, but she's also a bit of a control freak and has a hard time letting go of her own expectations.

Linda's world is turned upside down when a former student, Jason (Angarano), comes back to town after failing as a playwright in New York City. Jason asks Linda to read his play and give him some feedback, but Linda becomes obsessed with the play and determined to get it produced at the school. She convinces the school's drama teacher (Kinnear) to help her, but they soon realize that the play is too controversial for school and they need to find another venue.

As Linda dedicates more and more of her time to Jason's play, she neglects her personal life, including her relationship with a former classmate (Kinnear) who has recently returned to town. Her obsession with the play also causes her to clash with the school's principal (Nathan Lane) and the school board.

The English Teacher deals with themes of passion, creativity, and the importance of following one's dreams. Linda is a complex character who struggles with control and perfectionism, and her journey throughout the film is one of self-discovery and personal growth. The film also explores the world of theater and the challenges of getting a play produced, as well as the pressures and expectations that come with being a teacher.

The performances in The English Teacher are excellent across the board. Julianne Moore gives a nuanced and layered performance as Linda, balancing her character's quirks and flaws with her passion and dedication. Michael Angarano is also impressive as Jason, bringing a mix of vulnerability and ambition that makes his character sympathetic despite his flaws. Greg Kinnear and Nathan Lane provide great supporting performances, adding humor and heart to the film.

The film's direction by Craig Zisk is understated but effective, allowing the characters and story to take center stage. The script, by Dan and Stacy Chariton, is witty and intelligent, with sharp dialogue and well-drawn characters. The English Teacher is a film that will appeal to fans of both comedy and drama, with its mix of humor and emotional depth.

Overall, The English Teacher is a charming and engaging film that showcases the talents of its cast and crew. It's a portrait of a woman on a journey of self-discovery, discovering new passions and letting go of old expectations. With its excellent performances and smart script, The English Teacher is a film that will leave audiences both entertained and moved.

The English Teacher is a 2013 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7 and a MetaScore of 42.