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Ever since its release in 1985, audiences have fallen in love with the five kids stuck in detention in the John Hughes classic The Breakfast Club. But times—and the lives of teenagers—have changed. And the Breakfast Club-inspired drama The Class offers a new take on the beloved teen classic.
The Class arrives at school on a Saturday morning with six drama students who have been given one last chance to pass the course. Their teacher, cheery, upbeat Miss Long (Debbie Gibson), is joined for the day by stone-faced guidance counselor Mr. Faulk (Anthony Michael Hall), who doesn’t really care if the students pass or fail. But as each of these students works to create a character and prepare a scene with a fellow student, these diverse teens gradually open up about the painful secrets that they’ve been struggling to keep.
Like its ‘80s inspiration, The Class shakes up stereotypes by showing that there’s more to these six kids than what their classmates expect. They’re not just The Jock, The Stoner, The Outsider. They’re all kids dealing with their own issues—from loss to abuse and neglect to terminal illness. They’re struggling to preserve their carefully maintained image while they’re falling apart inside. Their anger, their attitudes, and their outward appearances cover what’s really going on inside. And throughout the day, they slowly let down their guard and show their true selves. It’s no surprise that it’s a messy process. After all, it isn’t easy letting go of the pain that you’ve held inside for years. And sometimes it can feel forced—this exam makeup day turned into an out-of-control therapy session.
While these kids pour out their pain to one another, the teachers fit awkwardly into the mix. These two ‘80s icons present two very different perspectives on teaching: Hall as the hands-off counselor and Gibson as the teacher who wants to be everyone’s friend. But though Gibson’s Miss Long directs the drama in the class, these two characters feel more shoe-horned in than anything else—especially Hall’s Mr. Faulk, who’s often seen awkwardly peeking in windows, spying on the students, who spend most of the day left to their own devices.
Despite its occasional goofiness (mostly courtesy of the teachers), this teen drama feels heavier than The Breakfast Club—but, in the end, the effect is similar. And though it isn’t without its flaws, it’s honest and charming—a story about coming of age and finding your voice in the ‘20s.
You can find The Class in select theaters and on demand starting on September 9, 2022.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
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