Trailer for BAD APPLES Unleashes Saoirse Ronan in a Twisted Dark Comedy About One Very Problematic Student
Paramount Pictures has released the first trailer for Bad Apples, and it looks like audiences are in for one seriously uncomfortable, funny, and thought-provoking ride.
Directed by Swedish filmmaker Jonatan Etzler, the dark comedy takes a sharp look at what happens when an entire community would rather ignore a disturbing problem than deal with it head-on. After making a strong impression on the festival circuit, this is definitely one to keep an eye on.
Saoirse Ronan stars as Maria, a primary school teacher in the UK whose classroom has been turned upside down by one particularly aggressive and foul-mouthed student. Pushed beyond her limits after the child becomes involved in a violent incident, Maria makes a decision that sends her life into complete chaos.
The official synopsis explains: "Saoirse Ronan plays Maria, an elementary teacher at a ritzy private school, whose class is plagued by the epic bad behaviour of one extremely foul mouthed and disruptive child, Danny.
“After he has a violent altercation with another student, Maria is forced to take action. And when Danny doesn’t show up for the next few days, she is shocked at how easily the parents accept his absence — and don't want him back.
“As things spiral even further out of control, Maria is caught between her own bad choices, the utter lack of concern from her community, and the less-than-angelic behaviour of her other students."
What starts as an impossible classroom situation quickly turns into something much stranger. Maria accidentally ends up taking and locking away the troublesome student, only to discover that his disappearance makes life noticeably better for everyone around her.
The class begins thriving, parents are happier, the school staff couldn't be more pleased, and suddenly nobody seems interested in asking too many questions. That leaves Maria trapped in an increasingly messy situation where every attempt to fix things only makes them worse.
The trailer leans into the film's darkly comedic tone while also hinting at some uncomfortable questions about personal responsibility, community complicity, and the lengths people will go to protect their own comfort.
It looks like the story isn't simply about one disruptive child, but about the people willing to overlook almost anything if it makes their own lives easier.
Ronan is joined by a talented cast that includes Jacob Anderson, Eddie Waller, Nia Brown, Rakie Ayola, Robert Emms, and Sean Glider.
Etzler directs the film from a screenplay by Jess O'Kane, adapted from the novel by Rasmus Lindgren. The film is produced by Oskar Pimlott and co-produced by Benjamin Greenacre.
The movie looks like it balances uncomfortable comedy with sharp social commentary in a way that feels fresh, and Ronan appears to be giving another fantastic performance.
Bad Apples is set to open in European cinemas in September 2026. A U.S. release date hasn't been announced yet.