A New York City middle school teacher with a drug habit forms an unlikely friendship with one of his students after she discovers his secret.

Dan (Ryan Gosling) is a man of contradictions: a dedicated teacher who cares for his students, yet relies on drugs to dull his existential pain. Drey (Shareeka Epps) is an unflinching teen who’s used to flawed adults and doesn’t judge his poor decisions. Even as Dan tries to keep her away from local dealer Frank (Anthony Mackie), it’s increasingly clear he’s the one in danger of slipping.

Roger Ebert called Half Nelson a “miraculous movie,” and 20 years later it still feels that way. The debut feature by Ryan Fleck — co-written with Anna Boden, who also edited the film — Half Nelson premiered at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival and earned Gosling his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor. It is an insightful, captivating story about complicated characters that avoids self-pity and moralizing conclusions. — AT

Restored by Hunting Lane and Post Works using a new 4K scan from the original negatives under the supervision of director Ryan Fleck, editor/producer Anna Boden, and director of photography Andrij Parekh.

Available in person only. 

*In attendance will be Ryan Fleck, Anna Boden, Anthony Mackie, and Shareeka Epps.