The Wasteland Reviewer

Bad Apples (2026) Written Review

How hard is it to command a classroom full of children? They are just a bunch of children…how hard could it be? But not all children are the same nor are all of them willing to play along. As a teacher, you only have a certain amount of leverage over the children due to plenty of societal expectations. But a certain child could potentially cause great mayhem and damage when they realize how little leverage a teacher can have in a classroom. One uncontrollable force can tear down the establishment that is meant to hold control. Director Jonatan Etzler tackles these complex and challenging ideas with a darkly satirical experience called Bad Apples. 

How does writer Jess O’Kane bring Rasmus Lindgren’s novel to life in such a way? From the opening scene, two things are made quite clear. Saoirse Ronan’s Maria has no control of her classroom and struggles every day to make an impact for her students. The other…Danny is a troubled child. An overworked father who cannot possibly have the time to be there and Danny lashes out in violence on a day-to-day basis. This dynamic is the whole basis for the film and leads to a disturbing twist when Maria invertedly kidnaps this child and holds him captive. Where this film gets interesting is the effectiveness of such a rash act of desperation. O’Kane explores what education could be like when efforts are focused on the actual needs of students (certain students getting more individualized instruction and the rest of the class devoid of violent disruptions). But that is just the tip of the iceberg. We witness just how far society will go, parents will go, and educators will go to neutralize such a challenging force. The presentation is darkly funny and certainly challenging. Not every thread feels as fleshed out (including the “teacher’s pet” type character who gains uncomfortable leverage over her teacher) but this film certainly is compelling from start to finish. 

Does Etzler’s efforts from behind the camera pair well with O’Kane’s ideas? One of the first things you will notice about Bad Apples is that there is some inspired filmmaking going on. The film is certainly not the flashiest but there are plenty of precise camera choices that help elevate the experience. When there are some more thrilling moments, the camera holds tight to the “action” and puts the audience into the scenario. The film also relies on many reaction shots (especially Ronan) to sell the emotions and tensions of the scene. The inspired work behind the blocking, framing, and editing gives the film a crisp atmosphere that keeps the pace going and makes sure that the audience is picking up on all the little details. The atmosphere and personality of the film come together in the music as well with an effective score and a few key needle-drops help accentuate the darkly humorous tone. Speaking of…this is a film that works due to its tone. There is a dark comedic undertone to the whole experience that helps craft the satirical take the film has about parenting, schooling, and human nature. There is a good mixture of fun, emotion, and heavy themes that gives the experience some serious weight. 

How does the cast navigate this complex film? Ronan is certainly a revelation with her performance as Maria. The film asks a lot out of Ronan, and she hits on the wide range of emotions and presentation throughout. At the beginning of the film, we see Maria at her lowest. Ronan captures sadness and a sense of defeat in her performance that speaks volumes. You see the weight of this horrible situation in every stare. Ronan shifts gears slowly as she begins to rekindle a joy for teaching as her situation improves throughout the film. That is a glowing sense of joy in Ronan’s body language and energy. She even tears the house down with some emotional expression at the climax of the film. So much of this film lays on her shoulders and Ronan shows why she is one of the best working today. There are a few other standout performances in the film including the child actors, school administrators, and parents. But the duo of Eddie Waller (the troubled boy) and Nia Brown (the teacher’s pet) truly standout. In their own unique ways, they each capture darkness while also showing humanity and vulnerability. 

Does Bad Apples walk that tightrope and deliver upon its ambitious ideas and tone? Etzler spins quite the twisted and darkly entertaining yarn with this film. There is a real sense of tension while taking a biting shot at the challenging education landscape. Ronan delivers a fantastic performance as she anchors this film and all its biting commentary. Bad Apples is quite the eye-opening condemnation on modern education and parenting.