When a frustrated playwright and middle school theater teacher finds out his ex-girlfriend has started dating his nemesis, the school’s principal, he decides to ruin the principal’s chances of winning the Blue Ribbon of Academic Excellence.

In her colorful, constantly surprising feature debut, director Giselle Bonilla delivers a darkly funny, delightfully twisted ode to the inspirational power of spite. Alexander Heller’s screenplay offers a witty takedown of public school performance culture and riffs on the politics of the theater world as it follows Doug Leibowitz down his unhinged path for revenge and recognition.

Will Brill captivatingly embodies Doug’s stewing toxic resentment as his personal and professional torment transform him from an uncharismatic sad sack into a hilariously dastardly antihero. Brill’s bravura work is supported by veteran actors Rob Lowe and Gillian Jacobs as the couple whose relationship spurs Doug’s quest for revenge, as well as the spirited comic turns of the talented young performers portraying the eager middle school theater troupe he influences with his antics. — HZ

Available in person. Also available online for the public (January 29–February 1) and credentialed press and industry (January 28–February 1).