De leerling

De leerling (The Student), a Dutch television film directed by Rutger Veenstra, is a tightly woven psychological drama that delves into themes of manipulation, vulnerability, and blurred moral boundaries. Though only around 50 minutes in length, the film is tense, atmospheric, and emotionally unsettling.

The story centers on Lana, a high school teacher in her late 30s, who prides herself on her professionalism and composure. Her routine is disrupted by the arrival of Benny, a new 16-year-old student who immediately sets himself apart from the rest. He’s intelligent, aloof, and disturbingly perceptive. From their first encounter, it’s clear Benny is not a typical adolescent—he quickly begins to test Lana’s authority with calculated charm and subtle defiance.

As the days progress, Benny’s presence begins to unnerve Lana. He knows how to get under her skin, when to smile, and when to stay silent. His provocations are never overt, yet they leave Lana increasingly shaken and isolated. The most disquieting part is her reaction—not just fear or frustration, but a conflicted attraction that she can’t fully explain or control.

Halina Reijn gives a nuanced performance as Lana, portraying a woman caught between her rational boundaries and emotional confusion. Her subtle facial expressions, uneasy posture, and growing anxiety speak volumes even when words are few. Opposite her, Thijs Boermans as Benny delivers a chilling performance—calm, calculated, and unreadable. His maturity and manipulative instincts make him an almost predator-like figure, yet he never raises his voice or becomes physically threatening.

The setting—mainly the sterile, impersonal halls and classrooms of a modern high school—adds to the film’s tension. Everything feels too quiet, too ordinary, which makes the psychological warfare at its core all the more disturbing. Director Veenstra uses minimalistic visuals and lingering silences to keep viewers on edge.

What makes De leerling especially provocative is its refusal to deliver easy answers. The relationship between teacher and student never crosses legal boundaries, but it crosses emotional ones in deeply uncomfortable ways. Viewers are left to interpret the power dynamics and moral implications on their own.

Though its short runtime may leave some viewers wishing for more resolution, De leerling succeeds in delivering a sharp, unsettling look at manipulation, temptation, and control. It's a brief but potent film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.