Directed by Swedish filmmaker Jonatan Etzler, Bad Apples is the film adaptation of Rasmus Andersson’s debut novel De Oönskade. Starring Saoirse Ronan, the film follows young primary school teacher Maria (Ronan), who is struggling in her class due to unruly student Danny (Eddie Waller). But when she tries to help him, she is forced to take drastic action with surprising results.
In his first English language film, Etzler doesn’t downplay the severity of Maria’s actions. The young teacher initially struggles with her conscience, driven to escape as she cannot deal with Danny’s R-rated rantings as he struggles with his new circumstances. But before the narrative questions her morality, her tiredness and lack of confidence seemingly dissipate amid the newfound glow from her students and her colleagues, especially deputy headmaster and her ex-boyfriend Sam (Jacob Anderson) – all of whom appreciating the much-needed quietness in the school. It is both shocking and satisfying to watch – similar to Bobcat Goldthwait’s God Bless America – as Maria’s actions feel justified, which only feeds the tension of whether the truth will be revealed.
But within Jess O’Kane’s dark screenplay is a stark commentary on challenges in education. Taking place in a primary school in a rural part of the UK, pupils are about to sit their SATS that not only assess their English and Maths skills but feels like one of the last stages before high school. However, Maria’s struggles with Danny seem to fall on deaf ears. She receives no support, training or guidance on how to deal with troubled pupils and her inability to cope just puts her in headmistress Sylvia (Rakie Ayola)’s bad books. Meanwhile, Danny’s single dad Josh (Robert Emms) recognises his son’s issues but has practically given up on him, choosing to focus on work. This edge of neglect brings a sense of realism in Bad Apples that no-one expects but it is an underlying concern that becomes a vehicle for the film’s eyebrow-raising climax, rather than a relevant talking point that would lift this satire.
Better known for her dramatic or challenging roles, Ronan’s performance in Bad Apples brings a comedic slant. As the anxious Maria, there is a hint of terror behind her expression but wonderfully conveys a deadpan humour that makes farming video games weirdly amusing. But as wonderful as Ronan is, the film’s young stars make Bad Apples truly great – Waller confidently plays Danny, bringing fury and fear in a physical performance. Nia Brown is equally great as teacher’s pet Pauline, whose butter-wouldn’t-melt exterior and cutesy admiration towards Maria becomes increasingly unhinged, with an impromptu appearance at the school’s parents’ evening catalysing a horrifying turn of events.
Shaping it as part-thriller, part-black comedy, Etzler’s direction makes full use of the smart lighting and production design to not only convey Maria’s loneliness but the claustrophobia of her situation. He also switches up this atmospheric tone to fit in with the narrative’s twists, boldly accompanying Chris Roe’s booming score to emphasise the severity of Maria’s actions. At the end of the day, the proverb “one bad apple spoils the bunch” may set the tone but Bad Apples dares to go one step further by showing audiences what one could do with them.
Occasionally incredulous and generally twisted, Bad Apples is a disturbing yet satisfying watch with solid performances driving the narrative.
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Director: Jonatan Etzler, Jess O’Kane (screenwriter)
Stars: Saoirse Ronan, Jacob Anderson, Robert Emms, Eddie Waller, Nia Brown
Runtime: 96 minutes
Country: UK
