The Professor
A world-weary college professor is given a life-changing diagnosis and decides to throw all pretense and conventions to the wind and live his life as boldly and freely as possible with a biting sense of humor, a reckless streak and a touch of madness.
Critics Sentiment
Richard's pain and regret become visible as reality sets in
Richard receives his terminal cancer diagnosis from doctors
The film's biggest emotional swing occurs from the devastating cancer diagnosis to Richard's transformative decision to live boldly, jumping from despair to renewed purpose.
The Professor follows a classic redemption arc that resonated strongly with viewers who connected to its mortality themes. While some critics found the premise familiar, most praised Depp's genuine performance and the film's balance of dark humor with profound emotional depth. The sentiment builds steadily from the initial diagnosis through Richard's transformation, peaking during the emotionally raw second half where his vulnerability becomes most apparent.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 34
Johnny Depp
Richard Brown
Rosemarie DeWitt
Veronica Sinclair-Brown
Odessa Young
Olivia Brown
Danny Huston
Peter Matthew
Zoey Deutch
Claire
Devon Terrell
Danny
Ron Livingston
Henry Wright
Linda Emond
Barbara
Matreya Scarrwener
Rose
Siobhan Fallon Hogan
Donna
Paloma Kwiatkowski
Unnamed Student
Kaitlyn Bernard
Taylor
Michael Kopsa
Doctor
Dion Riley
Male Student #1
Ken Kramer
Professor Emeritus
Justine Warrington
Waitress
Christine Willes
Widow #1
Denalda Williams
Widow #2
Keith MacKechnie
Ed
Dolores Drake
Professor Emeritus's Wife
Crew
Write a Review
Rate each story beat:
