This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 159! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.
Hey, friends!
Today we’re venturing into some seriously scandalous territory and looking at a 2006 film called “Notes on a Scandal.” This is one of those films that seems to sneak its way back into conversations now and then. It’s all about secrets, lies, and the consequences of crossing moral lines.
First off, can we just take a moment to appreciate Judi Dench? I mean, if acting were an Olympic sport, she’d have gold medals hanging from every limb. In this movie, she plays Barbara Covett, a veteran teacher with a penchant for keeping diaries, and let me tell you, her performance is nothing short of electrifying. The way she portrays the complex layers of her character, from loneliness to obsession, is incredibly impressive.
Then there’s Cate Blanchett as Sheba Hart, the new art teacher who becomes the object of Barbara’s fixation. Blanchett brings this mixture of vulnerability and naiveté to her role that’s just so compelling. Watching the dynamics between her and Dench unfold is like observing a masterclass in acting. The tension, the drama—it’s all so palpable.
Sheba seems to have it all on the surface – beautiful, talented, seemingly happy family. But beneath that facade, there’s a darkness brewing. Turns out, Sheba’s got a bit of a thing for…well, let’s just say her taste in men runs a little on the “young enough to be her son” side. Big yikes, right?
Barbara stumbles upon this juicy secret and, instead of running for the hills, decides to use it as leverage. She basically becomes Sheba’s own personal blackmailer, all under the guise of being her “friend.” It’s a twisted relationship that unfolds through a series of diary entries, with Barbara narrating her descent into madness.
Sheba’s affair with a student is the scandal at the heart of the story, and Barbara’s obsession with Sheba adds layers of intrigue and suspense. The way the film navigates these themes without ever feeling preachy is something I really admire. It’s like, it makes you question the boundaries of friendship, loyalty, and betrayal, all while keeping you glued to your seat.
The whole movie is this slow-burn tension builder. You just know things are going to explode eventually, and it keeps you glued to the screen. Dench is phenomenal, as always. She can switch from seemingly harmless old lady to full-on psycho with a single line of dialogue. It’s honestly chilling at times. Blanchett is equally fantastic, portraying Sheba’s internal struggle with desperation, guilt, and a flicker of defiance.
This movie isn’t for the faint of heart, though. It deals with some heavy topics — forbidden relationships, manipulation, the consequences of bad choices. But it does it in a way that’s both suspenseful and thought-provoking. Plus, there’s a surprising amount of dark humor sprinkled throughout, which helps to keep things from getting too bleak (seriously, Barbara’s one-liners are killer ).
So yeah, “Notes on a Scandal” is a twisted and compelling character study. It’ll make you question people’s motives, and maybe even give you a newfound appreciation for a good, healthy friendship. Plus, you get to witness Judi Dench be a total badass. What more could you ask for?
TTFN 👋
Roger