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Comedy thriller

Bad Apples (2026): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Bad Apples (2026) movie poster

Bad Apples is a 2026 comedy thriller directed by Jonatan Etzler, starring Saoirse Ronan as Maria, Eddie Waller and Sean Gilder. It runs 1 hour 40 minutes and earned $2 million worldwide. Critics gave it 69 on Metacritic.

worldwide gross
$2M
Echo Score
71
Metascore
69
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Bad Apples (2026) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 40m (100 min)
Director
Jonatan Etzler
Genres
Comedy , Mystery , Thriller
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Bad Apples About?

The premise of Bad Apples without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

When a primary‑school teacher (Saoirse Ronan) is forced to confront a foul‑mouthed, violent student, she resorts to drastic measures. In doing so, she discovers that the town’s residents deliberately ignore escalating atrocities, choosing the illusion of harmony and a false sense of safety over confronting the truth.

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Cast & crew

Bad Apples Cast & Characters

Saoirse Ronan leads the cast as Maria, with Eddie Waller as Danny and Sean Gilder as Frank. Directed by Jonatan Etzler; 20 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Jonatan Etzler

More films directed by Jonatan Etzler: One More Time, Swimmer, Get Ready with Me and Intercourse.

Full filmography
Ratings

Bad Apples Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Bad Apples 69 on Metacritic. Our Echo Score gives it 71/100, strongest in character & emotion (78) and weakest in rewatch factor (65).

71 /100

Bad Apples Echo Score Breakdown

Bad Apples delivers a satirical premise anchored by strong central performances, especially from Saoirse Ronan, while its visual motifs reinforce the moral tension. Critics highlight the film's occasional plot contrivances and uneven pacing, which temper the impact of its dark humor. Audience reactions echo this split, noting moments of genuine tension and wit alongside sections that feel under‑developed. Overall, the movie offers a moderately engaging experience that rewards viewers attuned to its blend of comedy and thriller elements.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 73

    In terms of direction and visual design, the film employs a stark color palette and haunting compositions that underscore its thematic stakes. Critics commend the unsettling imagery and effective production design, though a few note occasional editing lapses that disrupt flow. Viewers who appreciate the atmospheric tone tend to rate the craft favorably, while those seeking tighter pacing find it lacking. The technical execution therefore registers as solid but not uniformly polished.

  • Character & Emotion 78

    When it comes to acting and emotional resonance, the leads deliver nuanced performances that anchor the narrative. Ronan's portrayal is repeatedly described as watchable and compelling, and supporting actors receive praise for embodying complex moral positions. Some audience members note inconsistencies in minor character development, yet the central dynamics remain engaging. Overall, the character work is regarded as a primary strength that elevates the film beyond its structural flaws.

  • Story & Flow 68

    The story balances dark satire with thriller conventions, offering original moral dilemmas that many reviewers find thought‑provoking. Critics, however, point to implausible plot turns and a finale that feels rushed, reducing narrative cohesion. User comments echo this split, highlighting an enjoyable first act but criticizing a disjointed third act. While the premise sustains interest, uneven pacing and occasional contrivances prevent the plot from achieving full narrative satisfaction.

  • Sensory Experience 70

    Sensory elements such as soundtrack and sound design complement the film's tonal shifts, linking tension with dark humor. Reviewers highlight a crisp musical score that accentuates key moments, and visual style that reinforces the satirical edge. A minority of viewers find the audio cues inconsistent, but the majority note that the sensory layer enhances immersion. Consequently, the sensory experience is evaluated as effective and supportive of the film's themes.

  • Rewatch Factor 65

    The rewatch factor reflects a mixed appetite for repeat viewings. Some audience members describe the film as memorable and recommend a second watch to catch subtler jokes, while others find the pacing and unresolved ending diminish long‑term appeal. Critics note that the film's odd tonal balance may limit repeatability. As a result, the movie offers moderate replay value, appealing mainly to viewers who appreciate its satirical nuance.

Plot

Bad Apples Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Bad Apples from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Maria Spencer, portrayed by Saoirse Ronan, serves as a Year 5 teacher at a primary school located in Somerset, England. Her professional life is plagued by the constant disruptions caused by one of her students, Danny (Eddie Waller), whose behavioral issues create a chaotic classroom environment. The situation reaches a breaking point when Danny pushes a fellow student, Pauline, down a flight of stairs, resulting in a broken arm for the girl and an immediate suspension for Danny.

Full summary

The whole story of Bad Apples, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Bad Apples Box Office

Bad Apples grossed $2 million worldwide.

2026 box office

Worldwide gross

$2M

International
$784.2K
Videos

Bad Apples Trailers & Videos

6 videos: 1 trailer, 4 teasers and 1 featurette.

All 6 videos
Official Trailer
  • Teaser Going the extra mile for your child’s education: Ashton Brooke.
  • Teaser "Saoirse Ronan has never been better” - Empire.
  • Teaser It only takes one.
  • Teaser Troublemaker? It’s hard to say.
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Bad Apples?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Which actress portrays Maria Spencer, the teacher at the center of the story?

Seen Bad Apples?

FAQ

Bad Apples FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Bad Apples, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Bad Apples?

Bad Apples runs 1 hour 40 minutes (100 minutes).

When was Bad Apples released?

Bad Apples was released on September 18, 2026.

Who directed Bad Apples?

Bad Apples was directed by Jonatan Etzler.

More films by Jonatan Etzler

Who is in the cast of Bad Apples?

Bad Apples stars Saoirse Ronan as Maria, Eddie Waller as Danny and Sean Gilder as Frank, among 20 credited actors.

How much did Bad Apples make at the box office?

Bad Apples grossed $2 million worldwide.

How is Bad Apples rated?

Bad Apples has 69 on Metacritic and 70% on TMDB.

Does Bad Apples have a post-credit scene?

No. Bad Apples has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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