Carla (Leonie Benesch, The Crown) just started her first teaching job, at a German middle school. She seems to be well liked in her classroom of seventh-grade students, but everyone’s trust is soon put in the spotlight when a series of thefts occur at the school.
A staff investigation leads to false accusations, blaming students and teachers based on little to no evidence, and outrage from parents who are fed rumors and partial stories. Carla’s attempts to mediate and investigate fairly only puts the entire school under stress. Fingers are pointed when they shouldn’t be, threats are made out of frustration, and walls cave in. Set mostly inside the school, The Teachers Lounge is a gripping story where everyone, and no one, can be at fault at the same time.
The story was inspired by an incident that director and co-writer, İlker Çatak (written with childhood friend, Johannes Duncker) experienced when they were around the same age as the students in the movie. In both situations, children were asked to hand over their wallets due to a reported theft. The Teachers’ Lounge is still all too relatable today with reasons like racism at the stem of accusations. The film will leave you thinking, not just about how you would handle a similar situation, but about who could actually be at fault and why emotions were running high (rightfully).
If you’re an awards season junkie, The Teachers’ Lounge is one to watch as soon as you can; it’s on the Academy Awards shortlist for Best International Feature Film. Currently in NY and LA, keep an eye on out for a wider release or at-home streaming options.
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