Saoirse Ronan Faces an Unruly Classroom and a Dangerous Decision in Dark Comedy ‘Bad Apples’
Saoirse Ronan is heading into the classroom for Bad Apples, a new dark comedy arriving on digital platforms November 3.
Directed by Jonatan Etzler, the film stars Ronan as Maria, a primary school teacher whose increasingly difficult relationship with one of her 10-year-old students leads to a decision that creates an entirely different set of problems. The film will be available to buy or rent digitally beginning November 3, 2026.
Maria begins the story attempting to inspire her students while dealing with one particularly unruly child whose disruptive behavior threatens both the classroom and her career. As the situation continues to deteriorate, Maria makes a series of questionable choices that culminate in her accidentally taking the student and locking the child inside her home.
What might initially seem like a situation Maria can somehow reverse becomes considerably more complicated when the student’s absence produces unexpected results at school. Her class begins flourishing, while parents and fellow staff members respond positively to the improvements.
With those around her unaware of what has actually happened, Maria finds herself caught between attempting to undo her actions and confronting the uncomfortable reality that the classroom appears to be functioning better without the missing student.
The premise places Bad Apples firmly in dark-comedy territory, using Maria’s increasingly difficult predicament to explore a situation that escalates well beyond the everyday frustrations of teaching.
Ronan leads an ensemble that also includes Eddie Waller, Nia Brown, Jacob Anderson, Rakie Ayola, Robert Emms and Sean Gilder.
Etzler developed the story alongside Jess O’Kane, with O’Kane writing the screenplay. Oskar Pimlott serves as producer.
The film marks another leading role for Ronan, whose career has included Lady Bird, Little Women, Brooklyn and The Outrun. Here, the four-time Academy Award nominee moves into a darker comedic role built around a teacher whose attempts to regain control of her professional life create a far more serious personal crisis.
The official trailer, poster, a new film clip and additional stills have also been released ahead of the digital launch.
Bad Apples runs 100 minutes and is rated R in the United States for language and a brief grisly image. The film carries a 14A rating in Canada.
Bad Apples will be available to buy or rent on digital platforms November 3, 2026.
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