Bad Apples is Rotten to the Core (2026) | Film Review

Bad Apples is rotten to the core. It’s a messy, unpredictable film that takes you on an extreme journey about losing control and giving in to impulse. A hilarious fable that sees Saoirse Ronan as an empathetic teacher who attempts to help a disruptive student, by locking him in her basement. This film is wacky and it most definitely plays with the idea of intrusive thoughts and acting on our worst instincts. 

The tone of the film lies on the sweet spot of comedy and tragedy, asking yourself can I laugh at this? But to me, the answer is yes. Bad Apples tests its audience, it keeps you on your toes and just as you think everything is going to fall apart, it gets worse. Bad Apples is a dark, satirical commentary on the education system, discipline, neglect, control and the idea of nurturing the next generation. Bad Apples under the surface of its bizarre plot and dark storyline, is actually a very poetic tale of systemic failure, institutional rot and societal blindness. Ignoring the real issues of our society, keeping your head down and passing the blame onto an easy target. 

Saoirse Ronan is the core of this apple, she is the centre of the chaos and her performance is utter magnificent. This has easily risen to the top of my favourite roles for her, she is deeply naturalistic and you believe every action and every word that comes out of her mouth. As her character falls deeper and deeper into the madness, you can only sympathise with her and almost understand her actions! She is tested as an actor in this film and she delivered. 

Bad Apples was a pleasant surprise, you don’t know what to expect from this film and that is the beauty of it. You spiral out of control, just like the characters and it is a wildly memorable time. You are left in pure disbelief by the time the credits roll and that final image is incredibly powerful. I was blown away by this film the first time I watched it at London Film Festival in 2025 and now, almost a year later, I am still deeply impressed by it. 

Probe Points

★★★★