The idea that someone can develop a deep connection with another person only to struggle with rejection when it ends is a relatable subject matter for horror and thriller movies alike. These films often shed light on the dark corners of the human psyche. They offer intense and thought-provoking viewing experiences. In the realm of stalking films, “The Tutor” takes a unique approach by removing the “love” factor from the obsession scenario.
Instead, it focuses on a different motive behind the pursuit. In many ways, this title shares similarities with movies like “The Fanatic” and “Misery“, as the object of desire is pursued distinct reasons. It adds an intriguing twist to the narrative.
What Are Some Classic Films About Stalking?
* “Single White Female”: This intense psychological thriller portrays the story of a woman who becomes the target of her seemingly harmless roommate’s obsessive and increasingly dangerous behavior.
* “One Hour Photo”: Starring Robin Williams, this film tells the unsettling tale of a photo lab technician who becomes obsessed with a family he regularly develops pictures for.
* “Fatal Attraction”: A thriller (and subsequence TV series) that delves into a dangerous affair turning into a nightmare. A woman becomes obsessively attached and dangerously vengeful. (You can find more information about this here).
Exploring the Nature of Obsession In The Tutor
Director Jordan Ross (Thumper) and writer Ryan King (Black Flies) deliver a tidy thriller in “The Tutor.” The film explores the dirty life of Ethan (Garrett Hedland), a seasoned tutor who finds himself entangled in a web of unexpected events. Through a skillful montage, viewers are offered a glimpse into Ethan’s multifaceted teaching world.
This sheds light on his complex personality and modus operandi. Despite his confidence bordering on arrogance, Ethan’s relatable circumstances, including a pregnant girlfriend, draw us to his side. When a mysterious individual approaches Ethan with a lucrative offer, it becomes clear that The Tutor’s services are in high demand. Thus setting the stage for a story that tenses the stomach muscles.
Tutor vs Teach
His newest educationally challenged student puts Ethan on guard from their first exchange. Further fuelling his suspicion is that Jackson is smart. Too smart for a tutor. He also offers statements that convince him there is something strange about this new assignment. Jackson knows far more about Ethan than he does about him. In theory, all the markers are there for another random reason for someone to be obsessed with someone they don’t know.
But that’s not where The Tutor winds the story. Leaving the empathy card leaning heavily toward Ethan, there is enough exposition to shine a wary torch into the eyes of this strange rich kid. But when he threatens to expose Ethan to the world, there is more to learn about this illustrious teacher than meets the eye.
Movies About Obsession – Pros and Cons
On the upside, some of the exposed secrets during the end of “The Tutor” are difficult to see coming. Like most films within the obsession theme, implausibility plays a major factor in taking the audience off guard long enough for a red herring to stick its landing. For this reason, some of the pivots are entirely within reason.
On the downside, the sketchy mental health background is used to play against the intended target. A prop I am tired of seeing and finding harder and harder to watch in movies. There also seems to be some underlying unresolved issue from its writer Ryan Kind about people who have children while not married. The rhetoric is mentioned far too many times to be a subtle statement that adds to the film’s well-being.
Nevertheless, The Tutor is solid within the confines of the performances of its key players. Noah Schnapp’s Jackson is a worthy adversary to the acting chops of Garrett Hedlund’s Ethan. The film evolves easily as it digs deeper and deeper into each character’s stake in the script. It’s not something I would watch again, but it can easily be counted as a worthy title in the stalker movie niche.
The Tutor is rated
3.5 stalkers aren’t always in love out of 5
Movies that Delve into the Unsettling Theme of Stalking
- “Watcher”: A thriller movie that explores the consequences of obsession. A man becomes dangerously fixated on a family he was supposed to protect. (You can find more information about this movie here).
- “Fear”: This psychological thriller follows the story of a young woman who becomes entangled with a possessive and unstable lover. This leads to a series of disturbing events and escalating violence.
- “Creep“: A chilling found-footage film and sequel that follows a videographer hired to film a mysterious man in a remote cabin. He then discovers that his subject’s intentions may be much more sinister. (You can find more information about this movie here).
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