Monster (2023)
A very captivating story that relies on the viewer being confused. Events happen, but exactly what or why are not exactly clear. We see different viewpoints that tells us different things, and the confusion is the point. It explores personality and personal truth, and not about who is right or wrong per se. We see why things can be misunderstood or misread, how signs and memories can be rejected and replaced. Like in Shoplifters, Kore-eda has a special ability to make the characters seem like authentic real people and there isn’t any judgement passed onto anyone. We never leave the confusion or the ambiguity entirely, but things get clearer and our understanding of all characters grows and becomes increasingly empathic.
Rating: 4