In the debates that take place within Luce, an ethical dilemma is raised about the treatment of minors by figures in authority. Is it proper for a teacher to search a student's locker, then accuse him of stashing illegal fireworks when the locker is being shared with others? Is it proper for a parent to snoop on a minor to the degree that she is following the youngster in his various movements and looking through a window like a peeping tom?

In the portrayal of the complex character named Luce (meaning "light"),a young boy was adopted from war-torn Eritrea and raised by loving parents in America. The child is taken through years of therapy and comes out a brilliant student, who is also a skilled debater. As we follow the action, it is unclear if Luce is a bringer of light to Northern Virginia High School? Or, is he like Lucifer as a bringer of light that results in original sin? Luce is a fascinating, charismatic figure. But, to some, he also may seem a little scary.

The major debates that unfold are between Luce and his history teacher, Ms. Wilson. It becomes clear that the instructor has an agenda when it comes playing favorites with her students. Luce is troubled that his friend DeShaun has been kicked off of the track team and has lost a scholarship, due to the actions of the "stern" Ms. Wilson. Luce vows to set things right. Will he be the avenging angel who saves the dignity of his friend? Or, will he be the fallen angel who has defied the ethical standards of a beloved mentor?

The focus of the filmmakers is on the traditional way of using our enormous freedoms to work the system for social, economic, or personal advancement. In this regard, Luce is a hustler who has brilliantly used his intellect and his charisma to achieve his ends. Luce has curried favor with the school principal, Dan Towson, thereby having at his command a powerful ally at the most crucial moment in his high school career.

An intriguing question to raise after viewing the film is as follows: Does Luce actually do anything wrong in the film? The most serious allegation against him is that he assaulted Stephanie. But the closing scene that shows the couple together in a shack in the forest demonstrates that, at the behest of Luce, Stephanie made up a fictional story that she told to Ms. Wilson. There is no eyewitness to suggest that Luce set fire to Ms. Wilson's office or that he defaced the door of her home with graffiti. He may not have been entirely honest with his parents. But, from Luce's point of view, he was on a mission for a friend and would stop at nothing to fulfill a promise.

In the closing moments of the film, Luce's adoptive mother Amy assures her son that his future is entirely in his hands. But, wise beyond his years, Luce has already understood that concept for a long, long time.

Amy (Naomi Watts) and Peter Edgar (Tim Roth) are proud adoptive parents of Luce, a child refugee from war-torn Eritrea who has become a perfect teen. Amy is called into the school by Luce's teacher Harriet Wilson (Octavia Spencer). Luce had written a troubling assignment and she found illegal fireworks in his locker. He tells Amy that the teacher has a disturbing vendetta against him. Amy grows suspicious of Luce as more secrets are uncovered.

The director and the actors are able to portray the teen drama. The lead's need for perfection is very compelling. It takes a long while to get a feel for this movie. Mostly, Luce remains an enigma until late in the movie. That's good but also problematic. In the end, the movie is able to give him motivation but it needs to make clearer the logistics of his work. As for the parents, I don't see why they don't talk to Luce plainly at the beginning. Tim Roth goes too hard too fast. Naomi Watts is the moral center for the audience until one surprise turn near the end. I don't know why that happens. I also don't see why a fire would end a career. A better turn and more matching one would be to plant a gun in her desk. The movie works in the space between belief and disbelief. Once that issue is settled, Luce needs to be revealed with more clarity.

Luce (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) is from war-torn Eritrea. He was adopted at age 10 by an American couple who spent years in therapy with him and education. He attends Northen Virginia High School and is an exceptional student and also runs track. He has an antagonist in his teacher Harriet Wilson (Octavia Spencer) who wants the best for him, but places everyone in a "box" where they are stereotyped. Luce objects to being the good guy ay the expense of other students who do get the benefit of the doubt that he does. The tension between the two rises over the discovery of some fireworks, pot, and the misuse of a female student. The parents have to choose between the son they know and the one they suspect.

The film was acutely interesting in asking questions about norms and expectations.

Guide: F-word, sex, nudity (Naomi Watts, Marsha Stephanie Blake)