Apt Pupil

Apt Pupil is a thought-provoking and haunting film that explores the dark side of human nature. The movie tells the story of Todd Bowden, a brilliant but troubled high school student who discovers that his elderly neighbor, Arthur Denker, is actually Kurt Dussander, a former Nazi concentration camp commandant who is now a fugitive war criminal. Todd becomes obsessed with Dussander's past and blackmails him into sharing disturbing stories of his experiences at the extermination camps. As their twisted relationship deepens, Todd's grades suffer, and he becomes increasingly isolated from his friends and family. Meanwhile, Dussander begins to manipulate Todd in return, forcing him to work to restore his grades by threatening to expose his subterfuge and fascination with Nazism. The film takes a chilling turn when Dussander tries to kill a homeless person who has seen him in his SS uniform. When he has a heart attack during the attempt, Todd finishes the killing and calls an ambulance for Dussander. At the hospital, Dussander is recognized by a death camp survivor sharing his room, leading to his arrest and extradition to Israel. Apt Pupil raises important questions about morality and power dynamics as it delves into the psychological effects of trauma on both victimizers and victims alike – as well as those who become fascinated by such horrors secondhand.. Ian McKellen gives an outstanding performance as Kurt Dussander alongside Brad Renfro’s equally captivating portrayal of young Todd Bowden; together they create an unnerving., complex bond that drives this intense drama forward until its shattering conclusion..

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Some movies that have similar genres and were produced around the same time as Apt Pupil include The Talented Mr. Ripley, The Usual Suspects, The Game, Falling Down, A Time to Kill, Oldboy.

Apt Pupil was released in theaters on October 23, 1998.