Detachment

Synopsis

Detachment is a poignant drama centered on Henry Barthes, a substitute teacher who drifts into a troubled public school, struggling to maintain his emotional detachment amid the chaos surrounding him. Portrayed by Adrien Brody, Henry confronts the harsh realities of a decaying educational system and the personal battles of his students and colleagues. As he forms unexpected connections, Henry grapples with his own past and his desire to remain emotionally uninvolved. The film delves deeply into themes of alienation, compassion, and the impact of systemic failure on educators and youth, offering a somber and reflective look at contemporary education and human resilience.

Cast

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  Adrien Brody

  Henry Barthes

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  Marcia Gay Harden

  Principal Carol Dearden

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  James Caan

  Mr. Charles Seaboldt

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  Christina Hendricks

  Ms. Sarah Madison

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  Lucy Liu

  Dr. Doris Parker

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  Blythe Danner

  Ms. Perkins

Reviews

Detachment received mixed to moderately positive reviews from critics, highlighting the film's emotional depth and performances while noting its sometimes bleak tone. On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie holds a 59% approval rating, reflecting a somewhat divided reception. The consensus often praises Adrien Brody's compelling and nuanced portrayal of Henry Barthes, often cited as the film's emotional anchor. For instance, The Hollywood Reporter remarked that Brody "delivers a quietly powerful performance that keeps the film grounded amid its heavier themes." Metacritic assigns the film a score of 52 out of 100, indicative of mixed or average reviews. Many critics appreciated the film's unflinching look at the struggles within the education system but mentioned that the narrative occasionally veers toward melodrama. IMDb users rate the movie 7.7/10, indicating a generally favorable viewer response. Commonly, viewers and critics alike note Detachment’s earnest exploration of human disconnection and vulnerability, though some found its overall tone to be quite somber and challenging to watch. In summary, Detachment stands out for its strong lead performance and its thoughtful, if heavy, examination of social issues, making it a film that resonates particularly with those drawn to character-driven dramas.