Dead Poets Society is regarded by many to be a timeless masterpiece, one whose cultural impact has remained in the public conscience for more than 30 years. Robin Williams’ soft yet bombastic personality particularly shines brightest through the film, which might not come as a surprise to anybody familiar with the lovable comedian. Though his on-screen appearances are brief, William’s character Mr. Keating easily steals the show.

As the name suggests, the film is a love letter to poetry and literature alike. Yet looking under the surface, Dead Poets Society tells us so much more. This film is a youthful, at times raunchy journey of self-discovery and identity. It reminds us of what it’s like to go through adolescence, weighed down by a tremendous whale of expectations and drowning in an unparalleled existential dread for the future. It shows us the raw strength of the written word and its potential to obliterate existing power structures. As Mr. Keating himself points out, none of the adults want the boys to learn how to think critically for themselves. They expect nothing more out of the boys than to be silent listeners; anything more than that jeopardizes their image and worse, the status quo. What’s more, it teaches us one of life’s most important lessons: knowledge is power.

Despite its intellectual charisma, however, the last act verges on confusing melodrama. It is unexpected and produces a dizzying tonal whiplash. Still, the film seemingly redeems itself with its potent ending, calling for a quiet unification against systems of oppression and censorship. Does it still hold up? O Captain! My Captain! This wannabe romantic definitely thinks so.

Final rating: 9/10

You can find Dead Poets Society on Disney Plus, or available to rent anywhere else.
Make sure to check out Jaxson’s review of Season Two of The Bear, Caitlyn’s review of The Poppy War by R.F Kuang and Ronny’s review of Shadows of Doubt available right here at Geekwave!
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