Apt Pupil

In 1984, 16-year-old Todd Bowden lives in southern California when he uncovers that his elderly neighbor, Arthur Denker, is actually Kurt Dussander, a former Nazi war criminal. This shocking revelation sparks Todd's dark curiosity about Dussander's past and the horrific events of World War II.

Realizing the potential of his discovery, Todd blackmails Dussander, leveraging the threat of exposure. He forces the old man to share grisly stories about his experiences during the Holocaust, delving into the depths of depravity that fascinate and disturb him.

As Todd spends more time with Dussander, he begins to neglect his studies and lose interest in his girlfriend. The allure of the Nazi stories consumes him and leads him to hide his failing grades from his unsuspecting parents.

In a twisted turn of events, Dussander begins using his leverage over Todd, threatening to expose his secrets if he doesn't improve academically. This manipulation results in Todd's remarkable turnaround, restoring his grades from failing to straight A's.

The influence of their conversations takes a dark turn as Dussander begins to kill animals in his gas oven, reveling in the control he demonstrates over life and death. This chilling behavior escalates the moral decay both characters experience.

During a tense night, Dussander attempts to murder a hobo who recognizes him in his Nazi uniform. This desperate act underscores the lengths to which Dussander will go to maintain his facade and eliminate potential threats.

After his attempt at murder, Dussander suffers a heart attack and calls Todd for help. In a panic, Todd arrives, cleans up the scene of the crime, and deceitfully calls for an ambulance while ensuring that his own secrets remain intact.

While hospitalized, Dussander’s identity is unveiled when a former death camp survivor recognizes him. This results in his arrest as authorities prepare to extradite him to Israel, bringing his terrorizing hold on Todd to a disturbing climax.

As Todd graduates as the valedictorian of his class, he delivers a speech on Icarus, reflecting on ambition and human desire. This moment highlights his transformation, juxtaposed with the unfolding chaos surrounding Dussander's exposure.

Following Dussander's arrest, Todd faces questioning by the police about his relationship with the old man. Although he tries to convince them of his ignorance regarding Dussander's past, the experience marks a significant moment of deceit and moral ambiguity.

At the hospital, Dussander, realizing that his identity is compromised and fearing exposure, makes the drastic decision to end his life. He commits suicide by giving himself an air embolism, reflecting the desperation of a man without escape.

In the aftermath of Dussander's death, Mr. French, Todd's school counselor, discovers the dark truth about the old man who masqueraded as Todd's grandfather. This leads to a confrontation with Todd, who manipulates the situation to ensure silence.

In a chilling display of power, Todd blackmails Mr. French, threatening to accuse him of inappropriate behavior to secure his silence. This moment solidifies Todd's transformation into a manipulative and morally ambiguous individual.

By the end of the story, as Dussander lies dead, Todd emerges as a fully formed sociopath. His interactions with the former Nazi have irreversibly altered his psyche, leaving a lasting impact on his character and moral compass.