Watch This Teacher

This Teacher is a 2018 drama film that offers an engrossing look into the complex lives of teachers and students. While it offers a subtle commentary on race, gender, and identity politics, the movie mostly focuses on the psychological and emotional states of its characters. The film is directed by Mark Jackson, written by Jackson and Dana Thompson, and stars Hafsia Herzi, Sarah Kazemy, and Lucy Walters in the lead roles.

The movie follows the story of a French-Moroccan teacher named Nour (Hafsia Herzi) who starts her job at a public high school in Los Angeles. Nour is excited to teach her students and make a difference in their lives, but she soon realizes that the job won't be as easy as she had thought. Her students come from diverse backgrounds and are often rebellious, aloof, and uninterested in learning. Nour struggles to engage with them, and her frustration builds up over time.

At the same time, Nour is dealing with her personal life. She has a long-distance boyfriend in France, and the distance between them is causing a strain on their relationship. Nour is also grappling with the complexities of her identity. She is a gay Muslim woman living in a predominantly Christian country, and her cultural and religious differences often clash with her Western practices.

Nour's journey intertwines with that of her student, a Palestinian girl named Soumaya (Sarah Kazemy). Soumaya is a talented artist with a rebellious streak. She doesn't like to follow the rules and often breaks school norms. However, Nour recognizes Soumaya's potential and tries to nurture her talent. As Nour and Soumaya grow closer, their friendship becomes a platform for the exploration of themes of cultural identity.

The movie also features Lucy Walters in the supporting role of Amanda, a colleague of Nour's who is struggling with her own demons. Amanda is a white American woman who is addicted to drugs and is frequently absent from school. Her erratic behavior makes her vulnerable to prejudices and rumors.

As the story progresses, the characters' lives intertwine and their grit and resilience are put to the test. The movie offers a bleak portrayal of the American public school system and the challenges that teachers and students face every day. It shows the power dynamics between teachers and students and the way cultural and racial differences can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts.

The film boasts a minimalist approach to storytelling, relying heavily on visual cues and non-verbal communication to convey the characters' innermost struggles. It also has a subdued tone, with a slow, deliberate pace that allows the audience to immerse themselves in the characters' lives.

Finally, This Teacher is a thought-provoking exploration of the struggles and triumphs of teachers and students. It offers an unapologetic look at the complexities of identity politics, cultural differences, and the American public school system. The performances are convincing, and the movie's visual aesthetic is stunning, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in powerful, character-driven dramas.

This Teacher is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.