Overview

• The drama follows a headteacher during an intense 24 hours at a state-funded English reform school in the 1990s, blending narrative with documentary-style interviews.
• Most outlets credit Tim Mielants as director, with Max Porter adapting his 2023 novella and shifting the story’s focus from Shy to Steve.
• Critics single out Murphy’s lead turn and Jay Lycurgo’s supporting work, noting a kinetic, claustrophobic style that some find emotionally distant.
• After a world premiere in TIFF’s Platform section and a limited theatrical run on September 19, the film has rolled out to Netflix globally.
• The 1 hour 32 minute R-rated feature explores underfunded youth services, teacher burnout and the pressures facing a last-chance school.