Class - Region 1 DVD

Lewis John Carlino's film has moments of insight, taking a few well-aimed shots at the vaguely sinister network of private-school life. In the first reel it neatly subverts the bullying scenario that threatens when the geeky Jonathan arrives at the school, while offering the briefly intriguing sight of Lowe in scarlet bra and pants. And there's a subplot of deceit and complicity that both strengthens and threatens the friendship that rapidly forms between Skip and Jonathan. In many ways, though, the most interesting element of the picture--Skip's relationship with his dysfunctional family--is left unexplored. Jonathan's deflowering and subsequent interludes are merely titillating. And Bisset's Ellen, a desperately sad character, becomes superfluous once the revelation that she's the "teacher" sets the boys' friendship on the path to fraternal solidarity. --Piers Ford