Carla Nowak (Leonie Benesch) is a dedicated, idealistic young teacher in her first job at a German middle school. Her relaxed rapport with her seventh-grade students is put under stress when a series of thefts occur at the school, and a heavy-handed staff investigation leads to accusations and mistrust among outraged parents, opinionated colleagues, and angry students. Caught in the middle of these complex dynamics, Carla tries to mediate but she is mercilessly confronted in the process by the structures and politics of the system. The more she tries to do everything right, the more desperate her position becomes.

With The Teachers' Lounge, award-winning director I?lker C¸atak (I Was, I Am, I Will Be) creates an uncompromising, nuanced work about the institution as a microcosm of society. Starring as a dedicated young teacher, Leonie Benesch (The White Ribbon, Babylon Berlin, Around The World In 80 Days) drives an intense atmosphere through her captivating portrayal of an idealist caught between clashing sides. The Teachers' Lounge is a riveting study of power dynamics, with themes of truth, justice, racism, respect, cancel culture and children’s rights that demonstrate how individuals are worn down between entrenched positions.

Other strong roles are played by Eva Lo¨bau, Michael Klammer, and, making his film debut in the lead child role, Leo Stettnisch. Cinematographer Judith Kaufmann (Corsage) was responsible for the visual design’s ominous mood.