An Education is a coming-of-age drama set in London in the early 1960s. The film tells the story of a high-school girl named Jenny Mellor (played by Carey Mulligan), who dreams of escaping her humdrum suburban life in Twickenham and going to study at Oxford University. However, her plans are thrown into disarray when she meets David Goldman (played by Peter Sarsgaard), a charming and sophisticated gentleman who takes an interest in her.
David sweeps Jenny off her feet with his worldly knowledge, cultural sophistication and lavish lifestyle. He takes her to concerts, galleries, restaurants, and even Paris for a weekend. Jenny is soon captivated by David and becomes infatuated with him. Her parents (played by Alfred Molina and Cara Seymour) are skeptical of David, but Jenny is sure that he is the key to her dreams.
As their relationship develops, David introduces Jenny to his eccentric friends, Danny (Dominic Cooper) and Helen (Rosamund Pike). They are amused by Jenny's naivety and encourage her to explore life beyond her sheltered upbringing. Jenny starts to skip school, lie to her parents and neglect her studies in pursuit of her new experiences.
However, as Jenny becomes more involved with David and his friends, she starts to realize that their world may not be all that it seems. David's true motives are revealed, and Jenny is forced to confront the consequences of her actions. In the end, Jenny learns that wealth and glamour cannot replace true love, and that her true path in life lies in her own hands.
An Education was directed by Lone Scherfig and written by Nick Hornby. It premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award and the Grand Jury Prize. The film received critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of a young girl's coming-of-age journey in a changing society. It was also notable for its soundtrack, which featured songs by artists such as French singer Françoise Hardy and American jazz musician Stan Getz. The film was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actress (for Carey Mulligan) and Best Adapted Screenplay.