Review: ‘Teacher’s Pet’ studies a predator’s hunger for power

Relationship imbalance, predatory abuse of power, and the exploitation of social programs lie at the heart of writer/director Noam Kroll’s Teacher’s Pet. The simmering psychological horror/thriller confronts systemic contamination through a carefully taut and layered script that holds a mirror up to modern society, particularly living on the poverty line in the United States, and how that inequality often leads to children being used and abused. Micro-budget by nature, Teacher’s Pet works meager resources to its advantage without ever sacrificing the strength of storytelling, emotional impact, and uncomfortable tension that’ll make you squirm in your seat.

Michelle Torian plays Clara, a shy high school student who shows a real knack for writing. After the English teacher commits suicide, Mr. Heller (Luke Barnett) steps in to take over the class. His teaching style is vastly different, but his approach of challenging his students brings out something even more special in Clara. At home, her mother Sylvia (Barbara Crampton) and deadbeat dad approach her with paperwork for a two-year extension on foster assistance as Clara readies to graduate and will be moving away for college. Even though she’ll no longer live under their roof, they see no issue with fudging the details of her residence, but it leaves a bad taste in Clara’s mouth.

The pressure to make a decision leads her to reach out to anyone who will pay any attention to her. That’s where Mr. Heller comes in. He applauds her work, sometimes keeping her A+ grades a secret from her classmates. He wants her to feel free from shame so she can deliver on her ambition of becoming a great writer. But things slowly shift as Heller grows increasingly obsessed with her and takes matters into his own hands to rid her of any distractions away from his unwavering infatuation. His behavior quickly becomes more sinister as he pushes her to the edge, emotionally and psychologically. Clara is so desperate for affection that she fails to see early red flags, and by the time Mr. Heller reveals his true self, she’s backed into a corner.

Kroll explores the complicated dynamics of student-teacher relationships in a way that feels honest and harrowing. Torian brings a nuanced performance that grounds the story in the here and now, flecked with rich character choices. It’s such a turn that should, if there were any justice in the world, catapult her into superstardom. She leaves no stone unturned in examining Clara’s humanity and how Mr. Heller attempts to rob her of a healthy childhood. For that, Barnett’s performance is stunningly evil, exposed early on in the flicker of his eyes that always hover on Clara. His glances deceive him, as you know immediately that there’s something wrong with him. He seems off, yet charmingly so, and when he unleashes his cruelty, even the viewer becomes haunted by his face.

Teacher’s Pet isn’t a fictional story. Technically, yes, it is—but it’s ripped from frequent disturbing headlines and viral news items. The characters might be conjured up from Kroll’s mind, but the story remains a chilling reminder that the real monsters are always human beings. It might not be reinventing anything, but the indie film delivers in every aspect, from powerhouse acting to thoughtful, engaging direction. It is not to be missed.

Teacher’s Pet arrives on VOD today (February 6).