‘TEACHER’S PET’ (Popcorn Frights 2025) Manipulation, mentorship, and murder.

TEACHER’S PET

In Popcorn Frights 2025 selection TEACHER’S PET, Clara’s identity at her private school revolves around her economic status. Her high academic achievements earned her a contingent scholarship to Yale, which only further isolates her. Her foster home is a complicated mix of abuse by her stepfather and love from her stepmother.

Following the suicide of her English teacher, a new teacher takes an immediate liking to her. The audience knows he is unhinged, but Clara does not. He invites her to be his year-end TA for extra credit. Clara is attuned to a scam. She takes the position, if only to keep a close eye on him.

Heller takes it upon himself to torment or use anyone who makes Clara’s life more difficult. He weaponizes her emotional vulnerability and systematically breaks her confidence. At least, that’s the overall intention, but Clara isn’t weak.

Scream Queen of my heart and Timelord Barbara Crampton plays Clara’s foster mom. She elevates every cast she’s part of, and this is no exception. Clayton Royal Johnson gives Zach a solid, good-guy vibe. He’s a great addition.

Luke Barnett is a monster as Heller. He is genuinely scary in his nonchalance. It is a slick portrait of a psychopath. Michelle Torian kills it playing Clara. She brings a ferocious energy that counters Barnett perfectly.

TEACHER’S PET is like a reverse version of The Crush, but upped by technology and years of experience. The script is relatively predictable, except for Heller’s motivation. The film becomes inarguably more unhinged as it rolls along. I do think that Heller’s character deserved more development in terms of his backstory, but overall, filmmaker Noam Kroll delivers an enjoyable watch.

Teacher’s Pet Trailer: