Director: Chris Modoono
Cast: Gil Zabarsky, Kate Flannery, Emily Wilson, Kathleen Littlefield, Maddux Berry
Certificate: TBD
Run time: 80 minutes
Synopsis: It’s dark times for Ethan Collins, a severely depressed, foul-mouthed elementary school teacher whose wife’s recent infidelity and departure have left him questioning everything in his life.
Turning the teacher/student relationship on its head in the most extreme way, TENURED follows the downward spiral of elementary teacher Ethan Collins (Gil Zabarsky) as he tries to hold onto anything to keep him afloat whilst dealing with the fact his wife is leaving him. Unable to fire him for his poor teaching alone, due to his status as a ‘tenured’ teacher, Assistant Principal Gruber (Kate Flannery) must go to undesirable lengths to prove to the school board Mr Collins is not fit to teach in her school.
Last minute observations, bribing the students and even spying on the classroom are just some of the measures taken as the situation becomes more desperate. Flannery is excellent as the Principal with a grudge determined to rid her faculty of Collins. Without exception the young actors hold their own against the adults with Maddux Berry standing out as the clever and somewhat twisted Trevor.
Sad sack Ethan, who fails at the correct teacher behaviour in every situation, is an anti-hero to root for; Gil Zabarsky gives the character just enough like-ability to keep the audience on his side. A fast pace, script originality and a great ensemble cast come together cohesively to provide a strong situational black comedy.
TENURED doesn’t always hit the mark but when it does the outcome is a witty and sharply observed comedic offering. Writer/director Chris Modoono is certainly one to keep an eye on.
