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Horror film

Boarding School (2018): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Boarding School (2018) movie poster

Boarding School is a 2018 horror film directed by Boaz Yakin, starring Luke Prael as Jacob Felsen, David Aaron Baker and Samantha Mathis. It runs 1 hour 51 minutes and earned $7,438 worldwide. Critics gave it 33% on Rotten Tomatoes and 45 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.9/10.

IMDb rating
5.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes
33%
worldwide gross
$7.4K
Echo Score
53
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Boarding School (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 51m (111 min)
Director
Boaz Yakin
Genre
Horror
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Boarding School About?

The premise of Boarding School without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

Jacob Felsen finds himself in a terrifying situation when he's sent to a secluded boarding school. Surrounded by six troubled students and two unsettling teachers, he must confront a living nightmare. As he tries to understand the school's dark secrets, Jacob’s deepest fears begin to manifest, blurring the line between reality and a horrifying vision. He soon realizes escaping this place might be more difficult than he ever imagined.

Boarding School Themes & Keywords

· 44 tags
  • cross dressing
  • boarding school
  • death
  • presumed suicide
  • stepfather stepson relationship
  • stepfather
  • child
  • burned face
  • boy in drag
  • reincarnation
  • horrible
  • threat
+32 more
  • caning
  • bare chested boy
  • barefoot boy
  • boy
  • girl
  • 12 year old
  • 12 year old boy
  • boy wears grandmother's clothes
  • boy humiliated by girl
  • boy in girl's clothes
  • boy in pajamas
  • ghost
  • nightmare
  • child sees a ghost
  • boy sees ghosts
  • death of relative
  • murder for hire
  • boy wears a dress
  • friendship
  • stars
  • teenage boy undresses
  • fire
  • nude boy
  • teenage boy nudity
  • underage boy
  • boy walks nude through fire
  • nude young male
  • male nudity
  • male rear nudity
  • bare chested male
  • nudity
  • boy rear nudity
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Cast & crew

Boarding School Cast & Characters

Luke Prael leads the cast as Jacob Felsen, with David Aaron Baker as Davis and Samantha Mathis as Isabel. Directed by Boaz Yakin; 20 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Boaz Yakin

More films directed by Boaz Yakin, best-rated first: Fresh, Remember the Titans, Aviva and Safe.

Full filmography
Ratings

Boarding School Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Boarding School 33% on Rotten Tomatoes and 45 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.9/10. Our Echo Score gives it 53/100, strongest in sensory experience (65) and weakest in story & flow (45).

53 /100

Boarding School Echo Score Breakdown

Boarding School presents a distinctive vision that is undermined by uneven execution. Critics frequently note the film’s originality and surreal presentation, yet they criticize its slow pacing and strained narrative coherence. Performances by the young cast receive mixed responses, with some praise for the lead’s nuanced portrayal offset by remarks of uneven child acting. The film’s dark atmosphere and thematic ambition generate interest, but inconsistencies in tone and momentum limit its overall impact.

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

  • Art & Craft 55

    In terms of visual craft, the film combines moments of striking surreal imagery with a deliberate, measured pace. Critics highlight the production’s nightmarish set design and cohesive genre tonality, while also noting that the direction’s slower rhythm inhibits suspense buildup. The editing and framing contribute to a dreamlike atmosphere, but uneven momentum undercuts narrative drive.

  • Character & Emotion 50

    When it comes to character portrayal, responses are varied. The lead performance receives praise for its nuanced emotional depth, and some reviewers find the adolescent perspective compelling. However, the supporting child performances are described as uneven and occasionally distract from the script. Overall, character dynamics engage at moments but lack consistent resonance.

  • Story & Flow 45

    In terms of narrative flow, the film exhibits imaginative themes but struggles with coherence. Reviewers cite an intriguing central concept and a payoff that rewards attentiveness, yet they criticize the script’s implausible elements and predictable turns. The pacing is deliberate, which some interpret as tension-building but others view as sluggish. Overall, the story is inventive but uneven in execution.

  • Sensory Experience 65

    In terms of sensory experience, the film delivers a dark and unsettling atmosphere. Reviewers note an effective use of sound design and an atmospheric score that heightens dreamlike tension. The visual style employs a muted palette and gothic motifs to reinforce the mood, though some find it overly surreal. Overall, the sensory elements immerse viewers but may feel discomfiting.

  • Rewatch Factor 50

    When it comes to rewatch value, opinions are divided. Some viewers appreciate the film’s thematic depth and report that subsequent viewings clarify its symbolic elements. Others find the uneven pacing and narrative inconsistencies limit enjoyment on repeat. The unique atmosphere invites curiosity, yet the structural flaws may reduce lasting appeal for many.

Plot

Boarding School Plot Summary

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

Spoilers ahead

Jacob Rathbone, a 12-year-old boy grappling with a profound fear of darkness, lives with his stepfather, Davis and his mother, Isabel. The constant strain of his distressing night terrors leaves Isabel feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. After an incident where Jacob is discovered dancing in his late grandmother’s dress, he faces bullying at school, resulting in suspension. Consequently, he is sent to a boarding school in the wilderness, run by the quirky couple, Dr. Sherman and Mrs. Sherman.

Full summary

The whole story of Boarding School, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Boarding School Box Office

Boarding School grossed $7,438 worldwide.

2018 box office

Worldwide gross

$7.4K

International
$7.4K
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Boarding School?

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

What is Jacob Rathbone's fear that affects his life?

Cars

Cars in Boarding School

2 cars on screen: the 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis and the Volvo unknown.

  • 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis in Boarding School 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis Minor role
  • Volvo unknown in Boarding School Volvo unknown Minor role
Details

Boarding School Also Known As

12 alternative titles, including “O Internato” and “L'Internat”.

Also known as
  • O Internato
  • L'Internat
  • Škola straha
  • Το οικοτροφείο
  • Kollégium
  • Пансион
  • 보딩 스쿨: 기숙학교
  • Internat
  • 寄宿学校
  • 詭學院
  • Internatinė mokykla
  • El Internado

Seen Boarding School?

FAQ

Boarding School FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

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

How long is Boarding School?

Boarding School runs 1 hour 51 minutes (111 minutes).

When was Boarding School released?

Boarding School was released on August 31, 2018.

Who directed Boarding School?

Boarding School was directed by Boaz Yakin.

More films by Boaz Yakin

Who is in the cast of Boarding School?

Boarding School stars Luke Prael as Jacob Felsen, David Aaron Baker as Davis and Samantha Mathis as Isabel, among 20 credited actors.

How much did Boarding School make at the box office?

Boarding School grossed $7,438 worldwide.

How is Boarding School rated?

Boarding School has 5.9/10 on IMDb, 33% on Rotten Tomatoes, 45 on Metacritic and 82% on TMDB.

Does Boarding School have a post-credit scene?

No. Boarding School has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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