Richard E. Grant and Daryl McCormack play writers mutually feeding off each other in a diverting chamber piece that doesn’t shy from some recycled ideas in “The Lesson,” which opens at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center on July 7.
Continuing is “The Starling Girl.”
“The Lesson” tells the story of Liam (Daryl McCormack), an aspiring and ambitious young writer who eagerly accepts a tutoring position at the family estate of his idol, renowned author J.M. Sinclair (Academy Award nominee Richard E. Grant). But soon, Liam realizes that he is ensnared in a web of family secrets, resentment and retribution. Sinclair, his wife Hélène (Academy Award nominee Julie Delpy), and their son Bertie (Stephen McMillan) all guard a dark past, one that threatens Liam’s future, as well as their own. As the lines between master and protégé blur, class, ambition and betrayal become a dangerous combination in this taut noir thriller.
“The Lesson” is showing through July 20.
“The Starling Girl” tells the story of 17-year-old Jem Starling, who struggles to define her place within her fundamentalist Christian community in rural Kentucky. Even her greatest joy of dancing with the church group is tempered by worry that her actions are sinful, and she is caught between a burgeoning awareness of her own sexuality and her religious devotion. With the return of Owen, an enigmatic youth pastor, Jem soon finds herself attracted to his worldliness and charm. Slowly, he draws her into a dangerous relationship that could upend their entire community.
“The Starling Girl” is rated R and is showing through July 13.
Learn more about the films, including show times and ticket availability.
