Review: 'Monster' keeps you hooked throughout the three acts spurring in a surprise

Monster

After 25 years, the legend Hirokazu Kore-eda decided to bend his rule but with a twist. Having written, edited and directed all his films throughout his career, for the first time, Kore-eda handed over the reins of writing To Yuji Sakamoto while still editing and directing the film. It might seem like an insignificant thing to many, but plays of immense importance to his latest film, Monster. The concept of Monster also has Kore-eda experimenting as he plays with three acts where scenes are recurring and convey the 'monster'. Having had the chance to see the film at the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2023, here's what I thought about it-

Finding The Monster

The majority of Monster acts as a misdirection and a consistent brain tease for the viewer. Is there indeed something wrong with little Minato? Is the teacher Hori actually the devil he is supposed to be? Is the principal involved in something that is possibly a huge, devious plan? There is an array of questions that Monster constantly leads you to ask as you see a young Minato doing weird things without much explanation. But Kore-eda believes in making you wait and be patient with your questions, as the ultimate answer is only provided in the end. The 'monster' is used to personify an occurrence, person or decision - all that is up for grabs for interpretation, bu when the true 'monster' is revealed, it shocks you.

Justifying the age-old cliche, Kore-eda makes the journey of three acts immensely beautiful an intriguing as opposed to the final destination itself. The reveal might not shock you as much as the culmination of the same does; the weaving of a largely spread-out plot does, and mostly, the character development does. 

Connecting The Dots & Splurging a Surprise

Monster acts like a huge display chart of a central plotline that is divided into three acts. Kore-eda's decision to do so works wonders as we catapult through bullying, loneliness, homophobia, social media wrath and a dysfunctional family dynamic. There is a smart call to have you revisit multiple key scenes from the first to the second and then the third act in an attempt to keep you engaged with the developments. And every reveal and recurring scene is expertly given a moment of surprise - that is enough to be bewildered. But the biggest surprise in this list was that of exploring the theme of homophobia, which comes out of nowhere and when you least expect it.

There is a chance that Monster might leave your masala-addicted, almost-pessimistic mind disappointed with the culmination of who the monster actually was, but Kore-eda believes in the simplicity to convey positivity and hope instead of a dark truth that acts as despair. We are the monsters in the garb of being humans, but somehow, there is hope.

The Verdict

Monster is a fascinating tale powered by scintillating performances by an ensemble cast, especially the kids, Soya Kurokawa and Hinata Hiiragi, as Minato and Yori, respectively. The film demands your patience and attention, but the journey towards the culmination is totally worth it.

Rating - **** (4/5)