An Education (2009)

Jenny (Carey Mulligan) is an Oxford bound student who dreams of a sophisticated life between Latin and English studies. But after meeting David (Peter Sarsgaard), a beguiling older gentleman who lives is a cultured world, Jenny is ready to throw her dreams to the wind. With the encouragement of her father, Jack (Alfred Molina), who has fallen under David’s spell, too, Jenny is about to get an education they don’t teach in school.

An Education is an exquisite coming of age drama thanks to remarkable performances by Mulligan and Sarsgaard. Jenny’s transformation from school girl to young lady is subtle and begins with slight changes to her hair and grades. Carey Mulligan makes Jenny authentic for the time period. Walking a fine line between debonair and predator, Sarsgaard’s David is enchanting. You, the viewer, want to despise him as you know this will not end well and yet, much like Jack, you are under his spell. Alfred Molina has a brilliant turn as Jack and Emma Thompson pops up at the demanding headmistress.

Set in 1961’s London, the production is sharp with detail. Everything from mannerisms to society standards are on par. An Education is limited by its short running time, but Nick Hornby’s screenplay manages to create an enveloping atmosphere and authentic dialogue.

All’s well that ends well. An Education doesn’t. But as I see it, you won’t find a more engrossing new release than this.  Though it is wrapped up a bit too conveniently that doesn't keep An Education from striking a chord.  Beautifully rendered, this film would easily make my 'best of' list.