Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
First day nerves
MARIA DUARTE recommends a challenging but honest portrayal of school life and the cruelties of children
A screenshot from Laura Wandel's film, Playground

Playground (15)
Directed by Laura Wandel

 

 

THE humiliation and abuse children can face as they navigate the dangerous jungle of school life is captured to poignant effect in this brutally raw and honest debut feature by Laura Wandel.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
round up
Cinema / 3 July 2025
3 July 2025

The Star's critics ANGUS REID, MICHAL BONCZA and MARIA DUARTE review Hot Milk, An Ordinary Case, Heads Of State, and Jurassic World Rebirth

round up
Cinema / 29 May 2025
29 May 2025

The Star's critic MARIA DUARTE reviews Along Came Love, The Ballad of Wallis Island, The Ritual, and Karate Kid: Legends

backlash
Cinema / 8 May 2025
8 May 2025

The Star's critics MARIA DUARTE and MICHAL BONCZA review Backlash: The Murder of George Floyd, The Uninvited, The Surfer, and Motel Destino

THE PERILS OF INTERNET DATING: (L) Ruaridh Mollica in Sebast
Cinema / 3 April 2025
3 April 2025
The Star's critic MARIA DUARTE reviews Sebastian, Four Mothers, Restless, and The Most Precious of Cargoes