A Teacher (2020) – A Chilling Exploration of Power, Consent, and Consequence
Genre: Drama
Creator: Hannah Fidell
Starring: Kate Mara, Nick Robinson
A Teacher is a tense, slow-burning miniseries that examines the illicit and damaging relationship between Claire Wilson (Kate Mara), a high school English teacher, and her 17-year-old student, Eric Walker (Nick Robinson). Adapted from Hannah Fidell’s 2013 film of the same name, the series expands the story into a ten-part character study that dissects grooming, manipulation, and the long-lasting effects of abuse.
Claire initially appears sympathetic—lonely, struggling in her marriage—but as her relationship with Eric unfolds, the show skillfully unravels the power imbalance and emotional exploitation at its core. What begins as flirtation turns into something much darker, as Eric’s youth and vulnerability are gradually overshadowed by Claire’s control and emotional dependency.
Kate Mara delivers a quiet but unsettling performance, portraying Claire as both human and horrifyingly flawed, while Nick Robinson offers a standout turn as Eric, capturing the confusion, desire, and eventual trauma that comes from being taken advantage of.
Rather than sensationalizing the story, A Teacher takes a thoughtful, restrained approach, showing how the fallout from such a relationship ripples through both their lives. It’s a series that asks hard questions—about consent, accountability, and the damage done when boundaries are crossed.
Critically praised for its sensitive handling of a controversial subject, A Teacher is an uncomfortable but necessary watch, shining a stark light on abuse of power under the guise of romance.
