Notes on a Scandal ***1/2

Cast: Judi Dench, Cate Blanchett, Andrew Simpson, Bill Nighy

Running Length: 1:33
MPAA Classification: R

Barbara Covett (dench) is a long-time teacher at a British school. She lives with a cat for companionship, and is a somewhat bitter woman. When Sheba Hart (Blanchett) takes a job at the school, she and Barbara become friends. One night, after a Christmas play at the school, Barbara sees Sheba and 15-year old Steven (Simpson) in a compromising situation, and decides to see how she can use this to her advantage.

“Notes on a Scandal” is a great pshychological thriller. The story is, for the most part, unpredictable. Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett give top notch performances, and the scenes with the two of them together are the best parts of the movie. Dench’s manipulative Barbara is particularly excellent. Although the subject matter of “Notes on a Scandal” may put some people off, I found it to be a pleasant surprise, and I highly recommend it.