Notes on a Scandal
Notes on a Scandal

Notes on a Scandal

2006Movie92 minEnglish

A veteran high school teacher befriends a younger art teacher, who is having an affair with one of her 15-year-old students. However, her intentions with this new "friend" also go well beyond platonic friendship.

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IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes80%
Metacritic75/100
Google Users76%
Director: Richard EyreGenres: Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

A lonely, aging teacher at a London comprehensive school forms a dangerous obsession with a charismatic new colleague. When the new teacher begins an affair with a troubled 15-year-old student, the older teacher sees an opportunity to insert herself into her life. However, her involvement soon spirals out of control, leading to devastating consequences for everyone involved.

Critical Reception

Notes on a Scandal received widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its powerhouse performances from Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett. Critics praised the film's tense atmosphere, its exploration of complex psychological themes, and its unflinching portrayal of obsession and manipulation. While some found the subject matter disturbing, the overall consensus highlighted its masterful execution and compelling narrative.

What Reviewers Say

  • Universally praised for the outstanding performances of its lead actresses, Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett.
  • Applauded for its gripping and suspenseful narrative that delves into dark psychological territory.
  • Acknowledged for its sophisticated direction and thought-provoking examination of obsession and betrayal.

Google audience: Audiences largely appreciated the film's intense drama and the exceptional acting. Many found the story compelling and disturbing, with Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett's performances being a consistent highlight. Some viewers noted the heavy and unsettling nature of the subject matter.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 3 Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Judi Dench and Best Supporting Actress for Cate Blanchett. Also received nominations for Golden Globe Awards and BAFTA Awards.

Fun Fact

The original script was based on the novel of the same name by Zoë Heller, who based the character of Barbara Covett on a teacher she knew in her youth.

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TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
Filipe Manuel Neto

Filipe Manuel Ne...

**Lust, loneliness and bitterness in an engaging film with two great actresses.** I was very impressed with this film, which combines two huge and very talented actresses and a script full of tension and very well developed. It's not som...
badelf

badelf

This is one of those films like a great pasta dish where everything is just right but somehow you still don't feel the restaurant is justified charging $21.95 for a plate of noodles and tomato sauce. The direction is top notch, Cate Blanche...