Cracks is a psychological drama film directed by Jordan Scott, set in a 1930s British boarding school for girls. The story revolves around a group of students led by their enigmatic and charming teacher, Miss G. At first glance, the film appears to explore themes of friendship, discipline, and the rigidity of traditional education, but as the narrative unfolds, darker themes emerge—obsession, manipulation, and the fragility of identity.
Miss G is the central figure in the story, admired and even idolized by her students, particularly by Di, the most confident and outspoken girl in the group. Miss G projects an image of sophistication, worldliness, and fearlessness, which makes her both a role model and a mystery. However, it becomes clear that much of her persona is fabricated. Her fear of the outside world and need for control expose a deeper psychological instability that she hides beneath her elegant façade.
The group dynamic is disrupted when a new student, Fiamma, arrives from Spain. Unlike the others, Fiamma is genuinely worldly and elegant, possessing a natural grace and confidence that Miss G claims to have but lacks in reality. This threatens Miss G’s authority and ignites feelings of jealousy and obsession. Di, who initially views Fiamma as a rival, soon becomes entangled in Miss G’s manipulation, leading to a dangerous power struggle.
As Miss G’s obsession with Fiamma deepens, her actions become increasingly disturbing. She isolates Fiamma from the others and crosses personal and professional boundaries. Meanwhile, Di becomes more conflicted as she realizes that Miss G’s admiration for Fiamma goes far beyond favoritism. The once tight-knit group begins to fracture under the pressure of emotional manipulation and unspoken tensions.
The film’s atmosphere plays a crucial role in building its unsettling mood. The remote setting of the boarding school, surrounded by fog and isolation, mirrors the psychological claustrophobia of the characters. The cinematography is rich and poetic, using natural light and subtle visual metaphors to reflect the characters’ internal struggles. The muted color palette enhances the sense of repression and hidden turmoil that defines the narrative.
In the tragic climax, the consequences of obsession and manipulation are laid bare. Fiamma’s fate is a result of both Miss G’s dangerous delusions and the group’s silent complicity. The film ends on a haunting note, emphasizing the cost of ignoring truth, the dangers of unchecked authority, and the damage caused by emotional repression.
Cracks is a beautifully crafted but disturbing exploration of power, envy, and psychological trauma. It challenges viewers to question the nature of influence, the dangers of idolization, and the vulnerability of young minds in the hands of those who are deeply flawed themselves.





