Sleeping with My Student (2019) is a tense and gripping thriller directed by Tom Shell, typical of the suspenseful dramas Lifetime is known for. The film centers on Kathy (Gina Holden), a recently divorced woman who relocates to a new town to start over, taking a job as the principal of a local high school. Determined to rebuild her life, Kathy tries to move forward with confidence and optimism, but her fresh start is quickly threatened when she meets and falls for a charming and attractive young man.
Unbeknownst to Kathy, her new romantic interest is not who he appears to be. The relationship takes a dark turn when she discovers that he is, in fact, a student at her school. What initially seemed like a new beginning spirals into a nightmare as Kathy becomes entangled in a dangerous game of manipulation, obsession, and blackmail. Her professional career, personal reputation, and even her safety are placed at risk as the young man’s intentions grow more sinister and controlling.
The film expertly builds tension, playing on real-world fears about trust and vulnerability. Gina Holden delivers a strong performance as Kathy, capturing the character’s vulnerability and growing desperation with nuance and intensity. Mitchell Hoog, who plays the student, brings a chilling edge to his role, making the story’s psychological twists even more unsettling.
Shot with a crisp, clean style that keeps the focus on the escalating tension, Sleeping with My Student moves at a brisk pace, never letting the suspense lag. Themes of deception, power imbalance, and betrayal are woven throughout, making it a compelling watch for fans of the genre. With its layered performances and cautionary storyline, the film offers a chilling reminder of how quickly the search for connection can turn dangerously wrong.
