Watch An Education

An Education is a 2009 coming-of-age drama film directed by Lone Scherfig and written by Nick Hornby, based on a memoir by British journalist Lynn Barber. The film stars Carey Mulligan, Peter Sarsgaard, Dominic Cooper, and Rosamund Pike. Set in 1960s suburban London, the film follows 16-year-old Jenny Mellor (Mulligan), a bright and ambitious schoolgirl who longs to escape her conventional middle-class upbringing and experience life beyond her studies. Her father, Jack (Alfred Molina), who runs a small business selling hampers and kitchenware, is determined to see Jenny succeed academically and hopes that she will study at Oxford University.

One day, while waiting for a friend outside her school, Jenny is offered a ride home by David Goldman (Sarsgaard), a charming and wealthy older man who introduces himself as a music promoter. Intrigued by his worldliness and sophistication, Jenny soon finds herself drawn into a glamorous and exciting social circle. She attends concerts, art auctions, and dinner parties, and even goes on a weekend trip to Paris with David and his friends.

As Jenny becomes more infatuated with David, she begins to neglect her studies and lies to her parents about her whereabouts. However, when she discovers that David is not who he claims to be and that he has a hidden agenda, she is forced to re-evaluate her priorities and confront the harsh realities of adulthood.

An Education is a beautifully crafted and nuanced film that captures the zeitgeist of a bygone era and explores themes of class, gender, and identity. Scherfig imbues the film with a nostalgic glow, using a palette of warm colors and soft lighting to evoke the mood of a romanticized past.

Mulligan delivers a breakout performance as Jenny, bringing a depth and vulnerability to her character that is both captivating and heart-wrenching. She embodies the conflicting desires and emotions of a young woman on the cusp of adulthood, craving freedom and adventure but also struggling to find her place in the world.

Sarsgaard is equally impressive as David, whose suave and charismatic exterior masks a darker and more manipulative side. He embodies the seductive allure of the bohemian lifestyle, but also exposes the pitfalls and dangers of a world that can be both alluring and corrupt.

The supporting cast is also superb, with Pike providing a deliciously wicked turn as Helen, David's glamorous and cynical friend, and Cooper bringing a rakish charm to the role of Danny, David's rakish sidekick.

Hornby's screenplay is witty, intelligent, and poignant, capturing the essence of Barber's memoir and bringing it to life on screen. He adeptly balances humor and pathos, creating a rich and complex portrait of a young woman navigating the complexities of love, sex, and ambition.

Ultimately, An Education is a timeless and deeply affecting film that resonates with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. It is a celebration of the transformative power of education and the courage and resilience of young women who dare to dream bigger than their circumstances.