I don’t know why Garret Hedlund never became a bigger star, but his consistently fine work continues in this twisty mystery with some elements of horror.
Synopsis:
An in-demand tutor for the East Coast monied elite, Ethan (Garrett Hedlund) lands a high-paying assignment to instruct a billionaire’s son, Jackson (Noah Schnapp), at a remote New York waterfront estate. Almost immediately, Ethan realizes that his student’s interest in his life borders upon obsession. As tension grows, Jackson’s accusations threaten to expose Ethan’s perceived dark secrets to his girlfriend (Victoria Justice) and the authorities. As sentiment turns against Ethan, it is up to him, and only him, to unearth Jackson’s accusations and prove his innocence.
So, Ethan ignores the sagest truism of all time – if something seems too good to be true, then it probably is. But when he’s offered over two grand per day to teach a wealthy student studying his SATS, the gig is to enticing to effuse.
After all, his girlfriend at home has a baby bump that’s about to bust, and the extra money would be right on time.
But there’s something kind of snotty and creepy about the student, not to mention his two cousins who hang out at the swimming pool all day, throwing snarky barbs at the teacher.
Hedlund is low-key excellent. Maybe that’s why he never hit it bigger—he doesn’t come across as a star, he comes across as a tutor. Add that’s the idea.
Being honest, I just happen to like this genre of film – a crime thriller or mystery with a bit of a twist. I couldn’t find anything not to enjoy about this film. Just a knock-about movie quietly coming out and probably long forgotten by the end of the year. But I dug it.
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