This saucy thriller has abundant pleasures, including an intelligent script that never once falters, a cast of strong supporting actors that includes Bill Nighy, and two of today’s best actresses unleashed in fury. Judi Dench, shedding her crown for a change, plays a British schoolmarm bent by her loneliness and a desire for younger women. She becomes friends with fellow teacher Cate Blanchett, then watches with glee as a spoiled housewife becomes sexually entwined with a fifteen-year-old student—that’s when Notes becomes at once a searing examination of relationships and gripping entertainment. Probably too brave for the Academy to recognize, Notes is also damn bleak, but somehow fun—a near masterpiece. 612-825-6006; www.landmarktheatres.com
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