In one of her most iconic roles, Maggie Smith stars as the titular character, the unorthodox teacher of a 1930s Scottish girls’ school, who captivates her students with lessons on art, love, and her personal romantic ideals. Her influence, however, leads to complex entanglements and unintended consequences. Smith’s Oscar-winning performance is a masterclass in nuance, portraying a woman whose passion both inspires and blinds her to reality.