Bad Apples (2026): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending
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.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 40m (100 min)
- Director
- Jonatan Etzler
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Pulse Films
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
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.
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.
- Director Jonatan Etzler
-
Saoirse Ronan as Maria - Eddie Waller as Danny
-
Sean Gilder as Frank - Jack Ashton as Eddy's Dad
Also Starring in Bad Apples
· 16 more- Eva Tennear Eleanor
- Danny Iqbal Jaden
- Harvey Ip Gus
- Lakhan Konsal Lakhan
- Mohamed Mohammed Ahmed Jamal
- Mylee Soverall Khaliya
- Serena Ram Olivia
- Max Norris Max
- Rhys Dorgan Rhys
- Jessica Barton Jessica
- Aryana Watson Aryana
- Eva Mitchell Eva
- Maci Morgan Lily
- Bess Greenacre Scout
- Eli-Gray Fehler-Williams Charlie
- Jaye Jacobs Khaliya's Mum
More from Jonatan Etzler
More films directed by Jonatan Etzler: One More Time, Swimmer, Get Ready with Me and Intercourse.
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).
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.
-
Metacritic 69 Metascore
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 70% User score
See on TMDB
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
Bad Apples Box Office
Bad Apples grossed $2 million worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$2M
- International
- $784.2K
Bad Apples Trailers & Videos
6 videos: 1 trailer, 4 teasers and 1 featurette.
- 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.
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
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
Which actress portrays Maria Spencer, the teacher at the center of the story?
Seen Bad Apples?
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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