In an age where mediocrity and self-esteem is praised over gaining proper credit and earning what you want in life, there is an underbelly, a certain undertow of resentment and disgust that comes with it, an otherwise looming powder keg of sheer loathing at the average and under achievers excelling where the truly superior wither away, and what director and writer Richard Powell does is spread out every bit of vitriol concerning the social climate and applies it to the tragic tale of a teacher forced to do nothing but deal with utterly detestable human beings on a daily basis and can do nothing but vent in his mind and face the fact that this is his life and he can do nothing but wallow in his own bile while hatching schemes of revenge against these dregs of humanity that will never come to fruition because he himself is just one in many mediocre individuals who will do nothing with their lives and accomplish very little respect or legacy.

Dodd's own desires come in to play regarding students and his co-workers you will not be able to keep from cringing and eventually take a second look at your mild-mannered teacher when you're in school. Because the menaces aren't always sitting beside you, but heading the very class you're attending. "Worm" of course could not have succeeded were it not for the outstanding (emphasis on outstanding) performance by Robert Nolan who is absolutely menacing and horrifying as this disgruntled teacher who hides in his briefcase and ogles female students from afar planning his own little escapes with them while always on verge of breaking and unleashing a flurry of violence and bloodshed. Nolan is given the weight of the film on his shoulders and he pulls it off brilliantly reacting to every monologue in his head with a grimace and sneer and offering up his own little forms of payback to anyone who crosses him. Richard Powell has struck a chord here and this is worthy of a high attention.

Ultimately if I could, I'd love to see a feature length version of this since this could basically become a "Taxi Driver" for the modern era that could touch on the themes of education and the under-appreciated educator. Richard Powell skillfully directs and writes with a superlative performance by Robert Nolan and I suggest this to anyone who crosses paths with it at a festival.

• For more information on "Worm," visit the official website.