End of Term (2021)

A group of students are tormented by the lingering menace of Garth Stroman, an artist who had a disturbing vision fifty years prior. The pupils discover that true art can only be achieved through suffering and pain.

Film Overview
"End of Term" is a 2021 British secret thriller movie directed by Mark Murphy, best known for his films 'A Christmas Prince' and 'Devil's Playground'. Shot in some parts of England, the story focuses on an art school where bloodshed and murder seem to always happen at the end of each term. The main characters are teacher John Slaughterbridge (played by Peter Davison), his partner Ginnie (played by Anita Dobson), and their child, Lizzy (played by Charlotte Ritchie).

Plot Summary
The movie starts with John Slaughterbridge teaching at a personal distinguished art school, understood for its high spiral staircase referred to as the "tower of death". It has a history of student suicides which are thought to occur every end of term, for this reason the movie's title. His daughter, Lizzy, participates in the same school. As completion of term techniques, sensations of fear and worry start sneaking into their lives.

One day, John discovers among his trainees dead, which reignites worries around the misconception of the tower. Things get complicated as John is seen as a prime suspect due to a sketchy alibi. In spite of the accusations, he stays innocent, choosing to investigate the murder on his own. Complications arise when Ginnie is killed following a heated argument with John. Lizzy is traumatized by these events, which puts their father-daughter relationship in rough water.

Strange Revelations
As John attempts to uncover the truth, he discovers that his other half was having an affair with among his trainees. John is distraught but more figured out to discover the offender. He also finds a series of paintings by an unknown trainee that capture the details of every murder dedicated at the school, including his spouse's current death. Each of the paintings is signed with a sign which leads him to the student behind the series, whose intent was to display the school's terrible tradition.

Conclusion
The film reaches its climax when the reality is exposed. The strange trainee is revealed as Lizzy. Lizzy was deeply disturbed by the school's history of suicides and the apathetic attitude of the administration, specifically her dad's. She, however, did not devote the murders however carefully painted them as a kind of protest.

The genuine killer is unveiled as the trainee with whom Ginnie was having an affair, who misused Lizzy's paintings to avert suspicion. This discovery produces a taut face-off in between John and the murderer. The film concludes with justice served, the killer arrested, and the father and daughter trying to repair their stretched relationship amidst grief and confusion.

General Review
"End of Term" is a riveting drama filled with thriller, profound feeling, and twists. Its complex characters, gripping story, and important commentary about institutionalized negligence make it worth a watch. The film checks out styles of guilt, secrecy, disobedience, and familial relationships, whilst efficiently keeping intrigue. The art-centric backdrop includes a distinct dimension to the thriller, making "End of Term" a visually extreme cinematic experience.

Top Cast

  • Peter Davison (small)
    Peter Davison
    Leigh
  • Nicola Posener (small)
    Nicola Posener
    Ashley
  • Julie Graham (small)
    Julie Graham
    DS Stacy Harcourt
  • David Bamber (small)
    David Bamber
    DI Jim Burman
  • Ronald Pickup (small)
    Ronald Pickup
    Damian Self
  • Ben Lamb (small)
    Ben Lamb
    Scott
  • Ivan Kaye (small)
    Ivan Kaye
    Garth Stroman
  • Chelsea Edge (small)
    Chelsea Edge
    Melissa
  • Faye Ormston
    Art Class Student
  • Darcy Isa (small)
    Darcy Isa
    Lizzie
  • Charley McDougall (small)
    Charley McDougall
    Dan