Monster
MONSTER is a mesmerizing journey into the complexities of family through a multitude of different viewpoints. When her young son Minato starts to behave strangely, single mother Saori knows that there is something wrong. Discovering that one of his teachers might be responsible, she storms into the school demanding answers. But as the story unfolds through the eyes of mother, teacher and child, shocking truths begin to emerge.
Through nuanced performances by Ando Sakura, Tanaka Yuko, and Nagayama Eita, and a sublime score by Oscar-winning composer Sakamoto Ryuichi, Koreeda crafts a tale that navigates themes of family, deception, and resilience. Unlike Kurosawa Akira’s Rashomon, which retells the same story from four different angles, MONSTER doesn’t clash conflicting perspectives but weaves a tapestry of narratives, highlighting the enigmatic nature of human understanding.
Awarded the Queer Palm (an independently sponsored prize for selected LGBTQI+-relevant films entered into the Cannes Film Festival) and Best Screenplay at 2023 Cannes, this film captivates with its intricate storytelling and leaves audiences pondering long after the credits roll.
All of our screenings are 18+ unless otherwise stated, the film starts at the advertised time above.
Content Warnings: discrimination, domestic abuse, suicide references.
- Runtime: 125 minutes
- Director: Hirokazu Koreeda
- Country: Japan
- Year: 2023
