Netflix’s Monster is a somber and poignant film on the racial injustices commited by our law enforcement. Check out the details in my parents guide movie review.
Monster dropped on Netflix this past weekend, May 7th, and is based off the popular Walter Dean Myers novel of the same name. The film was showcased at the 2018 Sundance film festival and received a standing ovation. The film looks at the American justice system as it pertains to men of color. Check out all the details in this parents guide movie review.
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Monster Movie Quotes
Netflix’s Monster Parents Guide Movie Review
Steve Harmon (Kelvin Harrison Jr.) is 17 years old, an honor student, and an aspiring filmmaker. After getting implicated in a store robbery, which was commited by an aquaintance of his, but a camera got him placed at the scene just beforehand, Steve’s life changes as he has now landed in prison and is fighting for his freedom in court.
Netflix’s Monster Age Appropriate Parents Guide
Lets take a look at what parents need to know before allowing their kids to view Monster.
Language: Monster contains very strong language with profanity used throughout, including words: f*ck, p*&&y, sh*t, a** and n*&&ar.
Mature Content: The film is about a murder that took place in a convenience store, the murder is shown in the film along with the dead, bloody body shown multiple times.
Overall Thoughts
Monster feels less like a film and more like a poetic journal of the occurances in one boy’s life. The story is a theme we have seen many times over, and while it feels as though the topic of racial injustice in law enforcement is over-played on the big screen, the problems continue to showcase themselves, giving reason to make these sorts of stories of high importance. Honestly, until racial injustice is a thing of the past, there can never be enough lights shined on the subject. Where Monster exceeds in making this film standout, is by always leaving perception of innocence and guilt open to interpretation. Viewers are never 100% sure of Steve’s innocence, and although audiences are constantly rooting for a non-guilty verdict, there is always a sense of doubt. This authenticty brings a connection to reality that is purely tangible, and no doubt will resonate with audiences.
Kelvin Harrison Jr. delivers a powerful and convincing portrayal of Steve Harmon, one which will stick with you long after the film is over. Jennifer Hudson and Jeffrey Wright play the parents of Steve, and Wright’s performance in particular will have any parent in shambles, as viewers feel the helplessness the he and many parents go through when your child is locked up and on trial for something like this. As certain as you may be that your child is innocent, you are expected to leave their fate in the hands of the justice system we all know is fractured, especially when it comes to people of color. Being placed at the scene will be tough to shake even for a seasoned lawyer, and will the jury really be impartial when a man lays dead after the fact? Monster is a powerful film that commands to watched, understood, and talked about for years to come.
