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Controversial and certainly scandalous, Notes on a Scandal explores the dark side of relationships and what ulterior motives may be lurking in the background. Judi Dench’s finest hour.

Elemtary school teacher Barbara Covett (Judi Dench) is much like any typical over the hill teacher, cynical and long convinced that the educational process is much more futile than most would give it credit for. The joy that Barbara receives from her profession though, comes from her lone observations and judgments of the students, colleagues and the public surrounding her. When Sheba Hart (Cate Blanchett) joins the staff of the small private school, everyone seems to be drawn to her, even Barbara. Barbara silently judges those who gravitate towards Sheba. When she discovers a secret that could destroy Sheba, the school and the life of a student, Barbara decides to use the information as leverage towards their forming friendship.

Judi Dench has been nominated for five Academy Awards since 1998 and won one. Notes on a Scandal though, is Dench’s finest performance to date. Dench strutted through this role as if it were written for her. Blanchett was a very capable foil for Dench’s character, a perfect contrast of beauty and the beast. For every moment that the two women were on screen together, they were involved in the cat and mouse game implemented throughout the plot. Dench quietly performs nefariously calculated judgments silently with her facial expressions and gazes, while Blanchett realizes her role as an effortless Venus who pretends to not notice her admirers. Not to be overlooked, were the performances of Bill Nighy and Andrew Simpson. Simpson provided the perfect catalyst for the plot and produced a believable performance that could have easily been spoiled by any other adolescent actor

Richard Eyre has been known to get the most out of his performers, specifically his actresses. With the film Iris came 3 Academy award nominations and one win. Ironically it was Judi Dench who was nominated for her leading role in the film, and Kate Winslet was nominated for her supporting role in the film. Eyre pushed both of these fine actresses in his newest film to the point of near perfection. Eyre has also been skilled at producing fine film adaptations from novels. The film was twisted and dark, and a different look at how some relationships are formed purely with ulterior motives.