Apt Pupil
Plot
In the seemingly idyllic town of Zion, Iowa, 1974 marks the beginning of a thrilling and disturbing tale as Todd Bowden, a 16-year-old high school student, makes a chance encounter with an enigmatic old man named Kurt Dussander. Unbeknownst to Todd, Dussander's resemblance to Kurt, a notorious Nazi war criminal, holds a deep significance that would unravel the very fabric of their lives. As Todd becomes increasingly fascinated by Dussander's mysterious past, he begins to uncover hints of his true identity as Kurt, who had been on the run for decades after committing unspeakable atrocities during World War II. The more Todd learns about Dussander's dark history, the more he becomes entangled in a complex web of morality and ethics. Dussander, it turns out, is hiding in plain sight, using his advanced age as a shield from the authorities that have been hunting him for years. As their relationship deepens, Todd finds himself torn between his natural curiosity and his growing sense of unease regarding Dussander's sinister nature. The old man's calculating demeanor and cold-blooded logic only serve to further enthrall Todd, who becomes obsessed with unraveling the truth about Kurt's past. Meanwhile, a series of bizarre events unfolds in Zion, as townsfolk begin to vanish without explanation, leaving behind cryptic clues that point to Dussander's involvement. As the mystery deepens, Todd finds himself at the center of a cat-and-mouse game between the authorities and the cunning war criminal. Throughout Apt Pupil, director Bryan Singer masterfully weaves together themes of guilt, shame, and redemption as the story hurtles toward a heart-stopping climax. The film's pacing is deliberate and calculated, allowing the audience to absorb the full weight of Todd's moral dilemma and Dussander's chilling persona. Ultimately, Apt Pupil serves as a scathing critique of humanity's capacity for evil, as well as our complicity in ignoring or condoning heinous acts of cruelty. The film raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of morality and our responsibility to confront the darkest aspects of human history. As Todd navigates the treacherous landscape of truth and deception, Apt Pupil presents a haunting portrait of two souls trapped in a dance with darkness, forever bound by their shared secrets and lies.
Reviews
Emerson
The thriller tension is lacking, and the psychological torment between the grandson and grandfather is diluted by melodramatic and over-the-top elements. Watching the handsome young man dig his own grave should have been a satisfying no zuo no die (you reap what you sow) experience...
Abigail
I still prefer the original Chinese title, "Nazi Apprentice." The film offers a compromise ending where Todd intimidates the guidance counselor and declares he's starting a new life. However, the resounding echo of the basketball hitting the ground clearly indicates that this little demon won't change. It would have been better to continue his gradual descent, like the original novel, culminating in an unparalleled explosion.
Ivy
When a teenager discovers that his elderly neighbor is a Nazi war criminal, some screenwriters might turn the story into a heartwarming, uplifting human drama. But Stephen King wouldn't. The film's suspense is expertly crafted, keeping you guessing until the very end as to who will prevail. An old demon dies, and a new one awakens. The confrontation during the "uniform seduction" scene is particularly brilliant. The attempt to approach and control evil is the root of all horror.
Messiah
How can anyone be this devastatingly handsome?
Abigail
The performances from both the old and the young are incredibly vivid! It's truly a pity that the handsome young actor passed away in 2008; he would undoubtedly be even more popular than Brad Pitt today...
Amy
The film *Apt Pupil* delves into the complex relationship between a curious teen and an enigmatic older man, blurring lines between obsession and moral responsibility. It's a haunting exploration of history, identity, and the consequences of unchecked curiosity.
