Netflix now streaming ‘truly entertaining' British thriller with a ‘mind-blowing' twist ending
Netflix is now streaming an underrated thriller from two years ago that's guaranteed to keep you on your toes.
Starring Richard E Grant and Daryl McCormack, fans and critics alike agree this psychological drama is 'mesmerising'.
Unfortunately, it didn't quite light the box office on fire upon its original release, though the streaming service has now given the film a well-deserved second chance at success.
Penned by Alex MacKeith and directed by Alice Troughton, in her feature film debut after working on iconic shows like EastEnders and Doctor Who, The Lesson deserves the top spot on your watchlist this week.
It follows aspiring writer Liam Summers (played by McCormack) who seemingly lands the perfect job, tutoring at the estate of one of his literary heroes, JM Sinclair (Grant).
However, his tenure soon takes a dark turn when his idol's family secrets start to bubble to the surface and Liam becomes trapped in a web of deceit.
Awards Daily described the thriller as "meticulously crafted" and "mesmerising', while The Spectator was particularly impressed by Grant's "deliciously, marvellously, full-on monstrous" performance.
A fan writing on Google reviews also had nothing but praise for Grant's co-star: 'I can't get over how incredible Daryl McCormack is in The Lesson!
'The plot twists had me on the edge of my seat, and the ending was absolutely mind-blowing - I never saw it coming!'
Another five-star review gushed: 'The Lesson is a cinematic gem that is so refreshing, witty and entertaining till the very last musical note and cut to end credits.
'The stellar cast's chemistry brings layers of brilliance to the script and to the screen. The editing, score and cinematography simply yet intentionally further elevate the storytelling, creating an unexpected well crafted masterpiece.'
Watch Stranger Things on Netflix for free with Sky
from £15
Sky
Get the deal here
Product Description
Someone else heaped on the praise: 'Best film I have seen in a long time and I see a lot of films.
'It completely kept me riveted from the very beginning to the end and through the epilogue.
'An elegant, intelligent, writerly and artful example of a truly entertaining masterpiece. Loved it. I wish there were more like it.'
And a final fan summed up The Lesson as 'simply brilliant' in yet another five-star write-up.
'Delightfully quirky, superbly filmed visually, nicely sinister in an almost tongue in cheek manner, brilliantly acted by all the actors.'
With this hidden gem of British cinema now on Netflix in the UK and Ireland, make sure The Lesson gets the attention film fans think it deserves this week.
The Lesson is available to stream on Netflix.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
22 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Hulk Hogan was 'devastated' by boos during final WWE appearance before death
Wrestling star Hulk Hogan, who died aged 71 this month, was 'devastated' by the negative reaction from the crowd during his final WWE appearance Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan was 'devastated' by the boos he heard from the audience during his final WWE appearance before his death aged 71. The star was found "experiencing a serious medical-related issue" in a house on Eldorado Avenue in Florida and was taken to Morton Plant Hospital in the morning of July 24. He died at 11.17am in the hospital, and there were "no signs of foul play or suspicious activity", Major Nate Burnside said in a statement. It was recently reported that the wrestler died from acute myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack, per the Pinellas County Forensic Science Centre. The star, real name Terry Bollea, was said to be poorly in the weeks leading up to his death, but his reps were forced to deny speculations about his health. It comes after Sharon Osbourne broke down in tears at Ozzy's funeral in heartbreaking scenes. Meanwhile, six months before he died, Hogan took to the stage at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, for a guest appearance in Netflix's WWE series Raw. His longtime pal and manager, Jimmy Hart, recently said Hogan was shocked by the negative reaction he received from the audience and claimed it "bothered him". Speaking on the Stories With Brisco and Bradshaw podcast, Jimmy explained: "We go out and we had a mixed reaction. You can have 500 people cheering you and one person booing you, but I'll be darned if that one person doesn't outshine [the people cheering]. "It's a mixed reaction, but it's a little bit more boos than anything. That devastated him." The manager suggested the boos were due to the wrestler's support for controversial US President Donald Trump. Hogan previously appeared at the Republican National Convention to back the convicted felon's return to the White House. Jimmy added: "We got in the back and he said: 'What do you think happened?' I said: 'Hulk, it's simple, blue state, red state. Boom'. "But that bothered him because of that ... Then the next week we're in Texas, and it's all cheers, you know, but that always bothered him. It sure did." During the appearance, he was heard telling the unimpressed crowd: "In the past, I've had a whole bunch of partners down the line. I had incredible partners, like the Macho Man Randy Savage. I've had giant-sized partners like Andre the Giant. "But the greatest partner the WWE has ever had is the fact that tonight, we're making history, and the WWE has tag teamed up with Netflix, the greatest tag team partner of all time." Hogan's death last week was confirmed by the WWE, who posted a statement on X saying: 'WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away. One of pop culture's most recognisable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan's family, friends, and fans." Hogan headlined the first Wrestlemania in 1985 and faced The Rock, aka Dwayne Johnson, during the event in 2002. His last WWE match was against Randy Orton at SummerSlam in 2006.
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Peter Andre lands new role on C5 murder mystery after backlash over movie role
Scroll down to find out more about Peter's new acting gig new gig Peter Andre lands new role on C5 murder mystery after backlash over movie role Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) PETER Andre has landed a part in a Channel 5 murder mystery - following backlash over a movie role. The singer, 52, will be flexing different performing muscles with a new role. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Peter Andre has landed a brand new acting role in a murder mystery Credit: TNI Press 4 He is set to appear in Channel 5's The Sunshine Murders Credit: TNI Press 4 It's not the first time Peter has turned his attention to acting Credit: Splash News He plays a pathologist, crime-solving doctor George, in The Sunshine Murders. Set in Cyprus, the new series will be debuting on Channel 5 in September. It stars Star Trek actress Marina Sirtis and ex-EastEnders star Nina Wadia. Meanwhile, Peter recently addressed backlash from fans for his role in comedy film Jafaican. He plays conman Gazza, who must master a Caribbean accent and culture to impersonate a notorious Jamaican gangster for a £3million payout. Peter previously told The Sun: "When I read the script, I spent the whole time laughing. 'It was warm, with a deep, heartfelt message about what someone would do to care for the person that they love. "It was also a beautiful tribute to Jamaica. 'But for me, working on Jafaican has been a dream come true. 'I know some people were a bit sceptical at first because we didn't know whether I could deliver what we had planned, but the reviews we've had have been phenomenal. Emotional Peter Andre reveals strict rule for Princess and Junior 'I studied acting as a kid before going into music from 16, but I always knew I was going to come back to it. "I always said to my dad, 'when I get to my 40s, I'm moving back into film, that's what I want to do'.' However, fans were left cringing at Peter's attempt of doing a Jamaican accent. One penned: "What is happening here lad?" While another added: "LMFAO, this is the most original thing I've seen in a while." A third chimed in: "This looks hilarious can't wait to see this." Jafaican also stars Hollyoaks actor Jamie Lomas - known as bad boy Warren Fox.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Major James Bond update as creator of huge BBC series is confirmed to write the latest 007 film as they claim it's a 'bucket list' job
Steven Knight is set to write the latest James Bond movie, Amazon MGM Studios have confirmed. The British screenwriter, 65, is perhaps best known as the creator of the hugely popular BBC crime drama Peaky Blinders starring Cillian Murphy. And now he's set to lend his talents to the long-running spy franchise by penning the script for the newest 007 film, with Steven revealing that it has always been on his 'bucket list'. The latest Bond film is currently in development and is to be directed by Dune's Denis Villeneuve, with Amazon MGM Studios overseeing the project after longtime producer Barbara Broccoli gave up creative control. Meanwhile, Amy Pascal and David Heyman are on board to produce the movie via Pascal Pictures and Heyday Films respectively, while Tanya Lapointe will serve as executive producer. Speaking about his involvement in the film, Steven told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast: 'It has always been on my bucket list and it's fantastic to be invited to do it - I can't wait to get started. 'I'm hoping that, being a Bond fan for so many years, it will be imbued into me and I will be able to produce something that's the same but different, and better, stronger and bolder.' However, Steven failed to give any inclination about who will replace Daniel Craig in the titular role. The actor, 57, stepped down from the iconic spy role back in 2021, having starred in five of the films over a 15 year period. A number of actors have been tipped to step into his shoes, with stars including Taron Egerton, Aaron Taylor Johnson, Paul Mescal and Theo James thrown into the mix. When pressed on who could be the new Bond, he responded: 'That is a very, very good question, and one I can't give you the answer to'. The last outing for James Bond was 2021's No Time to Die, with Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Neal Purvis, Robert Wade and Cary Joji Fukunaga on the writing team. Speaking of the selection process for the latest film, Steven shared: 'I was invited to a meeting with [producer] Amy Pascal, didn't know what it was about, and very quickly discovered what it was about and became very, very excited and hopeful. 'And then a process is followed where you do some meetings, you discuss some ideas, and then you find out you've got it. 'So I found out a while ago but it was announced last night, which is great.' He added that it was a 'high pressure' job, before noting: 'you've just got to do what you do, do it as well as you can'. It comes after Taron Egerton responded to speculation that he could be the next James Bond after Daniel Craig 's exit. Many A-list names have been thrown into the ring during the months of speculation about who will play 007 next following Amazon's takeover of the franchise. Rocketman star Taron, 35, has been rumoured to be in the running to be Bond as far back as 2019, with Sir Roger Moore 's son Geoffrey even backing him for the role. However, Taron has now dashed fans' hopes as he poured cold water on the idea, insisting he is too 'messy' to play the suave secret agent. 'I don't think I'm a good choice for it, I think I'm too messy for that,' he told Collider. 'I really love James Bond and particularly Daniel Craig's tenure, but I think I wouldn't be good at it. 'I think there's so many cool, younger actors who would be great for it, I think it would be wasted on me, probably.' Taron also acknowledged that taking on the Bond mantel is quite an undertaking and insisted nobody has actually approached him about the role. But he didn't rule out taking on another major commercial project as he revealed he wouldn't turn down a different opportunity, though remained coy about what that might be.
