With deft handling of complex relational issues, The Teachers’ Lounge utilises a string of petty thefts at a German secondary school as the catalyst to explore a range of broader social issues – racial prejudice, socio-economic status, institutional conformity – and Germany’s troubled history, a spectre always lurking at the film’s edge.
Rising Turkish-German filmmaker İlker Çatak maintains a taut tone throughout, aided by smart framing of closed-in school halls, a cool colour palette, and a disquieting score. Leonie Benesch (whom some may recognise from The Crown or Michael Haneke’s The White Ribbon) is incisive and expressive as idealist immigrant teacher Carla Nowak. Benesch conveys great empathy, contrasted by an officious workplace and jaded colleagues, plus a mounting sense of unease as Carla fails to navigate a “good path” through quickly crumbling circumstances. Çatak’s screenplay makes provocative use of the film’s relatable context, resulting in a gripping human drama. — Jacob Powell
Local tip
He tīwhiri mō te rohe
Make a night of it in the Aotea Arts Quarter. Aotea Square, Auckland Town Hall, Q Theatre and plenty of nearby dining options are all within a short walk of The Civic.
Getting there
Te huarahi ki reira
The Civic is on the corner of Queen and Wellesley Streets in the city centre. Te Waihorotiu Station is right nearby, making the train an easy option, while frequent bus services stop along Queen and Wellesley Streets. If driving, The Civic Car Park beneath Aotea Square is the closest parking option. For more transport information, check out our Getting Around page.
More info
He pārongo atu anō
