“An Education” is a 2009 British coming–of–age drama film directed by Lone Scherfig, based on the memoir of British journalist Lynn Barber. The film stars Carey Mulligan as Jenny, a bright schoolgirl, and Peter Sarsgaard as David, the charming older man who seduces her. It also stars Alfred Molina, Dominic Cooper, Rosamund Pike, Emma Thompson, and Olivia Williams.
The film focuses on Jenny, an intelligent but naive teenager living in the suburbs of London in the early 1960s. When she meets David, a charming older man, she is quickly taken in by his sophisticated world and begins to fall in love with him. However, as their relationship progresses, Jenny‘s parents become increasingly concerned about their daughter‘s seemingly erratic behavior and David‘s intentions.
“An Education” offers a thoughtful, sensitive exploration of the complex relationship between a young girl and an older man. The film is beautifully shot, and the acting is excellent. Mulligan gives an outstanding performance as the young and naïve Jenny, and Sarsgaard is equally convincing as the sophisticated and charming David. The film is both heartbreaking and heartwarming and an excellent example of coming–of–age cinema.
Duration: 100 min.
