boarding school movie review

BOARDING SCHOOL: This School Teaches A Whole New Brand Of Horror

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Horror films have begun a redefinition in recent years, a deeper representation of horrors of the world personified. Monsters have generated new fears in the silent haunting of A Quiet Place , while racism has found its own sadistic representation within a reinvigorated form of the body snatchers with last year’s Get Out . This year, re-innovation has found itself in Boarding School , a film by director Boaz Yakin that examines the ostracized differences perceived in others and in one’s own self.

Boarding School is not without its flaws, yet its meanings and representations dive deeper than the typical thrillers that have come before it. History is imbued between the lines of exposition and dialogue, discovering who we are and what will come to pass to become who we will be. I was pleasantly surprised at the depth Boarding School is able to achieve, as well as the entertainment it was able to maintain – placing itself within this new generation of horror .

School is in Session

Boarding School opens to an eerie score that seeps into the fibers of your nerves, putting you on edge, making the film’s initial jump scares all that more effective. Jacob ( Luke Prael ) frantically moves about his room, encompassing the tasks typically awarded to parents by their children – checking and proofing the bedroom from monsters. Jacob has been plagued with nightmares that cause him to scream into the night, his fear only matched by the unrequited attention of his mother ( American Psycho ‘s Samantha Mathis ).

With the death of a grandmother he has never met, Jacob seems to spiral out of control, his fear and curiosity leading to questionable behavior by his mother and stepfather. At wit’s end, it is decided that Jacob will attend Dr. Sherman’s ( Armageddon ‘s Will Patton ) Boarding School for the upcoming semester – giving added focus to his behavior and education. Yet, as the other children arrive and class begins, nothing may be as it seems.

Grade A Thrill Ride

Fairly new to the scene, Luke Prael shines, his gaze mysterious, yet with a look in his eye that lends one to think there is more going on within the mind than he ever lets out – the wheels are always turning. He sees deeper into any character, and his portrayal matches this inner awareness. Many think he is only a small, quiet and shy boy, but these perceived weaknesses are his strengths, and Prael ‘s encapsulation makes it all the more believable. Sterling Jerins ‘ Christine contrasts Jacob, bringing fire, determination and defiance to the boarding school. Jerins invigorates her character with fire and spirit, bringing energy to the screen when there is hesitation from the others.

The supporting cast rounded out the school room children and dictators beautifully. Nadia Alexander will surprise you, both in appearance and talent, breaking away from her core classic and expected character portrayals. If you are a fan of Alexander , this is sure to amaze and satisfy.

Color that Burns Right Through You

The richness of theses colors is made even more intense, with an even deeper contrast, when compared to Jacob’s life outside of the boarding school versus when he is inside. Everything outside has a brighter and softer blue to it. It is a rather dull lighting, while not warm it is safe. Inside the school, however, Jacob and the other children are enveloped in this growing contrast of rich hues. It is terrifying and horrific, yet strangely empowering at the same time.

Almost an A++

As with so many films, where there is success there is also weakness. While Boarding School is a stand-out in many areas, elements of its story and conclusion struggle to come to full fruition. The meaning and importance of Jacob’s grandmother is at times lost and forgotten, though not so much as to ruin the story, but enough where it appears underdeveloped, its reintroduction superficially random.

There is a also seemingly a fourth act to Boarding School that, while satisfying, seems overreached and out of pace. The film feels as though it has found its resolve and conclusion – a perceived end that would have satisfied viewers – yet it continues on. It feels added on, as though it were a second thought and a forced need to resolve presumed loose ends. Out of everything in the film, this was the moment that threw me off, the steady rhythm broken, a new awkward pace taking its place. It was sad that the film had ended in this way, instead of finding a way to possibly utilize this ending in a more rhythmic manner comparable to the rest of the film it was intended to conclude.