AN EDUCATION

CAROLINE: I had the great pleasure of seeing “An Education,” a movie about a young girl’s treacherous foray into early adulthood, which opens tomorrow in limited release. Sadly, you were not with me.

RYAN: No, I couldn’t make it, and I’m really bummed because you’ve been raving about it. What was so good about it?

CAROLINE: Well, I don’t want to over-hype it because it’s definitely a slow, artsy movie and kind of a period piece since it takes place in ’60s London. When Peter Sarsgaard is one of the biggest stars in it, you know you’re dealing with an indie movie. But it also has Alfred Molina as the dad, and Emma Thompson in a very small role.

RYAN: I like all those actors.

CAROLINE: They’re all great, but I think the story just really resonated with me. Not that I can relate to being seduced by an older man at 16, mind you. But the innocence and naiveté of this young girl is captured so well, and I really related to her feelings of yearning and wanting to grow up. She just does it too quickly.

RYAN: What about those of us who might not identify with it so much? And by that, I mean the menfolk.

CAROLINE: Well, it’s based on a true story which I think makes it inherently more interesting. And the cool thing is she’s not just seduced by the older man, but also by his two friends, who she essentially falls in love with in a platonic way. She’s captivated by their lifestyle and all the “cool” things they do. I think we can all relate to those feelings of longing when we were young.

RYAN: How’s the screenplay?

CAROLINE: Really good! It’s so well written, and the characters are so well conceived. The parents of the girl are really good, and it’s so interesting to see how Peter Sarsgaard basically pulls the wool over their eyes.

RYAN: So is it heavy on the drama?

CAROLINE: At times, but it’s not wrenching or anything. It’s just great to see how the story turns out. I didn’t expect it.

RYAN: Are there any uncomfortable moments what with all the underage girl stuff going on?

CAROLINE: Nothing illegal happens, but there are a couple awkward sex scenes. It really made me want to know more about the real-life girl. The movie is based on the memoirs of Lynn Barber and I actually googled her to read more about it. It’s a fascinating story.

RYAN: How’s Peter Sarsgaard’s British accent?

CAROLINE: It’s decent. It’s always a little awkward watching an American try to do one, but he’s fine.

RYAN: They couldn’t get a real British actor for the role?

CAROLINE: Evidently not. But Peter was good. He’s equal parts handsome and creepy in this role. And you like Dominic Cooper, who plays his friend. Rosamund Pike is also in it, and she’s beyond gorge.

— BOTTOM LINE —

CAROLINE: I really dug this movie. I don’t want to build it up too much, but it intrigued me. It’s a cautionary tale, and I loved the story and the journey it took me on. The lead girl, Carey Mulligan, is great. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

— RATING —