Hirokazu Kore-eda (Shoplifters, Broker) returns with an exquisitely layered conundrum that is a both coming-of-age film and thriller – who or what is the monster of the title? Saori becomes aware her eleven-year-old son Minato is behaving strangely and goes to his school to confront the alleged cause, a bullying teacher. But nothing is straightforward. Different viewpoints intervene to tell the story anew. Homophobia, intolerance, family dysfunction, rumour-mongering are all factors, but are not the kernel of the truth. That lies elsewhere and is revealed only gradually, with humanity and hope. This is the last film to be scored by the late composer Ryuichi Sakamoto.
Preview courtesy of Picturehouse Entertainment
