Watch Book Week

Book Week is an Australian comedy-drama film released in 2018 directed by Heath Davis. It stars Alan Dukes as Nicholas Cutler, a cynical high school English teacher who firmly believes that his students would rather watch movies or play video games instead of being interested in literature. When he is nominated by his school for the NSW State Teacher of the Year award, he is forced to attend the annual Book Week.

Cutler is feeling out of place at the event, surrounded by authors and fellow teachers who are passionate about literature. He gets drunk and humiliates himself in front of his peers, but the next morning he wakes up with a new perspective on his life. He decides to stop drinking, reconnects with his estranged daughter, and attempts to inspire his students with the power of good storytelling.

Throughout the film, Cutler must also navigate his complicated love life, as he has been sleeping with several women at the same time, including a fellow teacher played by Melanie Clarry, and a punk rocker played by Rose Riley. The three women represent different aspects of his life and different perspectives on literature, with Clarry’s character being the voice of reason, Riley’s character providing a rebellious edge, and his daughter showing him the importance of empathy and understanding.

Book Week is a poignant and funny look at the struggles of being a teacher in a world that is increasingly dismissive of reading and literature. It explores the challenges of finding meaning in one’s life, and the importance of being true to yourself. The film is populated with memorable characters, from a pretentious author who steals Cutler’s work, to a student who writes a disturbing short story.

The film is expertly directed by Heath Davis, who manages to create a perfect balance between comedy and drama. The humor is often dark and sarcastic, but it never undermines the serious issues at the heart of the story. The film also benefits from a strong cast, led by Alan Dukes, who delivers a standout performance as Cutler. He manages to make the character likable despite his initial cynicism and selfishness, and his transformation feels earned and satisfying.

Aside from the central plot, the film also touches on issues such as alcoholism, single parenthood, and social status. The film’s climax takes place during the school’s final assembly, where Cutler’s students perform a play based on their favorite book, Lord of the Flies. The scene is both hilarious and heartwarming, as it showcases the power of literature to ignite the imagination and inspire creativity in young minds.

In conclusion, Book Week is a fantastic film that deserves more attention. It is a witty and insightful examination of the challenges of being a teacher, and the importance of literature in a world that often fails to appreciate it. The film is well-written, well-acted, and well-directed, and it manages to be both funny and emotional without ever becoming melodramatic. Book Week is a must-see for anyone who loves books, movies, or just great storytelling in general.

Book Week is a 2020 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.