‘The Lesson’ is a compelling thriller with plenty of style

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Daryl McCormack in "The Lesson" movie (2023)

 

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After looking through Netflix’s lineup for the week, I noticed the streamer was adding “The Lesson,” a psychological thriller with a very compelling premise. It’s rare for movies to pass me by, but this one, released in 2023, completely did (no surprise, given it underperformed at the box office). Still, the premise alone was enough to get me to watch, and now that it’s streaming on Netflix, I’m confident it deserves a spot on every thriller fan’s watchlist.

“The Lesson,” marking Alice Troughton’s first feature‑length directorial debut, plays out almost entirely in one space with five main characters, making it feel like a stage play. While it takes a little while to reach the most gripping moments compared to most thrillers, once it does, the experience is so enjoyable that the wait is justified. And you can’t go wrong with some psychological drama, too.

If you’re looking for something engaging to stream this week, here’s why “The Lesson” is worth adding to your Netflix watchlist.

What is ‘The Lesson’ about?

THE LESSON | Official Trailer | Bleecker Street – YouTubeTHE LESSON | Official Trailer | Bleecker Street - YouTube

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“The Lesson” follows Liam Somers (Daryl McCormack), an ambitious young writer who takes a job as a live-in tutor for the teenage son of his literary hero, celebrated author J.M. Sinclair (Richard E. Grant), at the family’s grand countryside estate.

Liam, thrilled by the opportunity to be close to Sinclair and his work, settles into the household and begins preparing the boy for university entrance exams. Living under the same roof, he meets Sinclair’s wife Hélène (Julie Delpy) and the reserved butler, and soon gains access to the reclusive author’s unpublished manuscript.

As Liam settles into the household, friction grows between him and Sinclair, and long‑buried elements of the family’s past slowly come to light, culminating in shocking developments that test everyone involved.

‘The Lesson’ is a gripping ride, now streaming on Netflix

Julie Delpy in "The Lesson" movie (2023)

(Image credit: Bleecker Street / Landmark Media / Alamy)

“The Lesson” is a very simple title for a movie, but there is a lesson to be learned here, and it’s that pride, rivalry, and manipulation can corrode relationships and even destroy lives. At first, the story doesn’t reveal its true point, but as events unfold, it turns into a clever visual essay about vanity and revenge. We first meet a young aspiring writer who takes a tutoring job preparing the son of a celebrated author for Oxford. Soon, he grows closer to the family, which paves the way for some juicy drama.

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Although this is one of the slower-burning thrillers, leaning more on atmosphere for flavor than on dramatic reveals, it works to its advantage thanks to its stage-like feel. I could easily imagine it as a stage performance, which is part of its charm, but the main reason it succeeds is the strength of the core cast’s performances. Predictable or not, the movie’s suspense is made absorbing by the talent behind and in front of the camera.

Richard E. Grant in "The Lesson" movie (2023)

(Image credit: Bleecker Street / Landmark Media / Alamy)

Set almost entirely within the elegant, well-staffed Sinclair estate, “The Lesson” carefully unravels its intertwined mysteries, building suspense without rushing to get to the drama. Every central character hides something, and the first two acts are smartly structured, encouraging you to see it through until the end. Unfortunately, the final act and conclusion don’t quite live up to the promise established earlier, but it’s still fun nonetheless.

I’m not alone in my praise either. “The Lesson” holds a solid score of 77% on Rotten Tomatoes, with viewers rating it slightly lower at 70%. The site’s critics consensus reads: “Even if it isn’t always quite as clever as it seems to think it is, sharp performances from an outrageously talented cast make The Lesson worth learning.” It’s safe to say that “The Lesson” feels like a refreshing change of pace and easily ranks among the most engaging thrillers I’ve seen recently.

Stream “The Lesson” on Netflix now