Mentor (film)

Mentor is a 2006 psychological thriller film directed by David Michaels and starring Rutger Hauer, Matthew Davis, and Teresa Hill. The film explores the complex and often manipulative relationship between a struggling young writer and his established, albeit troubled, literary idol.

The story revolves around Joel (Matthew Davis), an aspiring novelist who is invited to be mentored by the renowned author, H. Percy (Rutger Hauer). Initially thrilled by the opportunity, Joel soon discovers that Percy's mentorship comes with a dark and controlling side. Percy subjects Joel to increasingly disturbing psychological games and tests, blurring the lines between artistic guidance and outright abuse. As Joel becomes more entangled in Percy's web, he questions the true nature of their relationship and the potential dangers of seeking validation from a flawed mentor.

The film delves into themes of artistic ambition, power dynamics, the dark side of genius, and the potential for manipulation within creative relationships. It examines the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve success and the psychological toll that intense mentorship can take on both the mentor and the mentee.