Apt Pupil

Apt Pupil is a chilling psychological thriller directed by Bryan Singer based on a novella by Stephen King. The story revolves around a high school student, Todd Bowden, played by Brad Renfro, who discovers that his neighbor, a former Nazi officer named Kurt Dussander, brilliantly portrayed by Ian McKellen, is living in hiding. The film delves into the disturbing relationship that forms between Todd and Kurt as the student becomes fascinated by the horrors of the Holocaust and the Nazi atrocities. As their dark bond deepens, Todd's descent into obsession and evil takes a twisted turn, leading to a suspenseful and shocking climax.

Apt Pupil has garnered mixed reviews from critics. While some praise the film for its compelling performances, particularly Ian McKellen's chilling portrayal of Kurt Dussander, others criticize its dark and unsettling subject matter. Rotten Tomatoes provides a rating of 54%, with reviews stating that the film is a dark and troubling exploration of evil. IMDb scores the movie at 6.7/10, acknowledging the strong performances but noting the disturbing nature of the story. Metacritic rates Apt Pupil at 51/100, indicating a mixed critical reception. Overall, the film's haunting and complex narrative, coupled with strong acting, have polarized audiences and critics alike.