Notes on a Scandal is an interesting movie that delves into some interesting and awkward subject matters.

It combines a new school teacher (Sheba played by Cate Blanchett) and her taboo underage affair, with the meddling ways of a lonely old woman (Barbara played by Judi Dench), also a teacher, who seeks a companion / plaything in her life.

As the new staff member, Barbara becomes critically interested in Sheba, and slowly but surely manages to becomes entwined in her daily life and they quickly become very close.

Sheba is in a very vulnerable stage of her life with her established family, and makes a costly mistake, a mistake that close friend Barbara agrees must be kept secret.

Barbara is a very intelligent woman and teacher, and she keeps her thoughts in a daily diary. A diary that ultimately holds the balance of power over Sheba - a prospect which Barbara seems to enjoy, since her last close friend went away.   Can the secret be used to secure Sheba's lifelong "friendship"?

Both Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett are very good at drawing you in to their respectively complex characters and ultimately Bill Nighy also stands out in his role as the husband and father (Richard).

Definitely worth seeing.

~CH