School's Out

School's Out (original title: L'Heure de la sortie) is a French thriller film released in 2018, featuring Laurent Lafitte in a gripping role. The story revolves around a substitute teacher who takes over a class of exceptionally gifted students. As he delves deeper into their mysterious behaviors and extraordinary intellect, the line between reality and the supernatural blurs, leading to unsettling and suspenseful developments. Combining psychological tension with elements of horror, the film explores themes of youth alienation, knowledge, and the darker sides of human nature. With a moody atmosphere and compelling performances, School's Out invites viewers into a chilling examination of what lurks beneath the surface of a seemingly ordinary classroom.

School's Out received a mixed but generally positive response from critics and audiences alike. On IMDb, it holds a rating of 6.5/10, indicating moderate appreciation but also some reservations among viewers. Critics praised Laurent Lafitte's intense performance and the film's atmospheric tension, with The Guardian noting that "L'Heure de la sortie effectively builds a haunting mood, supported by its eerie score and precise direction." However, some pointed out that the film's pacing and narrative complexity could be challenging, with IndieWire mentioning that "its slow unfolding and ambiguous themes may not satisfy all viewers looking for straightforward thrills." Rotten Tomatoes does not have an aggregated score for this title, but individual reviews suggest that while the film's originality and unsettling tone are commendable, the plot's ambiguity might leave certain audiences wanting clearer resolution. Metacritic also lacks a consolidated score, but user reviews reflect appreciation for the movie's psychological depth, contrasted with critiques concerning its cryptic storyline. Overall, School's Out stands out for its stylistic approach and thematic boldness, making it a notable entry in the psychological thriller genre, albeit with an appeal that may skew towards viewers seeking cerebral and atmospheric cinema rather than conventional horror or mystery.