Sony Pictures Classics debuted the official trailer for The Teachers’ Lounge (Das Lehrerzimmer), the German drama film selected as the German entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards.

The film stars Leonie Benesch as a teacher who tries to solve a series of thefts at her school. Also starring in the film are Michael Klammer, Rafael Stachowiak, Anne-Kathrin Gummich and Eva Löbau.

Release Date

Directed by Oscar winner Ilker Çatak, The Teachers’ Lounge word premiered at the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival, followed by the North American premiere at the 48th Toronto International Film Festival, and opens in theaters with a release date of December 25, 2023.

Synopsis

Carla Nowak (Leonie Benesch) is a dedicated, idealistic young teacher in her first job at a German middle school. Her relaxed rapport with her seventh-grade students is put under stress when a series of thefts occur at the school, and a staff investigation leads to accusations and mistrust among outraged parents, opinionated colleagues, and angry students. Caught in the middle of these complex dynamics, Carla tries to mediate—but the more she tries to do everything right, the more desperate her position becomes.

With The Teachers’ Lounge, award-winning director İlker Çatak (I Was, I Am, I Will Be) creates a riveting work about school as a microcosm of society. Starring as a dedicated young teacher, Leonie Benesch (The White Ribbon, Babylon Berlin, Around The World In 80 Days) drives an intense atmosphere through her captivating portrayal of an idealist caught between clashing sides. The Teachers’ Lounge is a study in power dynamics, with themes of truth, justice, racism, respect, and children’s rights that demonstrate how individuals are worn down between entrenched positions.

Other strong roles are played by Eva Löbau, Michael Klammer, and, making his film debut in the lead child role, Leo Stettnisch. Cinematographer Judith Kaufmann (Corsage) was responsible for the visual design’s ominous mood.

Reviews

Film Threat review called the film ‘quite effective’ saying, “The Teachers’ Lounge flows very well, and the story is quite effective, leaving viewers intrigued, engaged, and as eager as its protagonist to find the truth and answers to what is happening at the school. And although the answers might not be as clear-cut as we want them to be, they ring true. Likewise, the ending might not satisfy those hoping for something more exploding, but the slightly surreal nature of the final scenes was rather welcomed. It actually makes one wish this style was added more frequently throughout. Same with the score and music complimenting the picture as they are used too sparsely.”

Guardian review gave the film 3 of 5 stars, writing “Benesch is very good at showing someone who is basically in shock for most of the school day, and there is a very intense scene in which Carla, suppressing an anxiety attack, makes it into the ladies’ room, empties out the swingbin and uses the plastic garbage sack to breathe into. But after a while, in pure storytelling terms, the film spins its wheels a bit and doesn’t make as much dramatic headway as it might. A slightly sentimental touch concerning a Rubik’s cube given to the pupil appears to be cancelled by a strange and not entirely successful image confected over the closing credit roll. Yet this is a strong performance from Benesch who has a fencer’s force and grace.”

Official Trailer

Watch the official trailer for The Teachers’ Lounge.