About

Monster is the latest film from one of RFS' favourite directors, Hirokazu Koreeda. Season 60 opened with Broker and the society have previously screened six of his earlier films, including Shoplifters, After the Storm, Like Father Like Son and I Wish.

Monster is a psychological drama that provides no easy answers, deploying a Rashomon-style effect to repeat scenes from different and often contradictory viewpoints. It centres on the lives of a mother, Saori, and her young son, Minato, who begins exhibiting troubling behaviour after a series of incidents at school. Concerned and suspecting abuse from Minato's teacher, Mr. Hori, Saori confronts the school administration, demanding answers. The narrative cleverly shifts perspectives, revealing different sides of the story through the eyes of the mother, the teacher and Minato himself, whilst we must not overlook Yori, Minato's bosom friend.

As the layers of the story unfold, the film delves into the complexities of truth, misunderstanding and the unseen emotional struggles that shape each character's actions. Themes of bullying, parental love, and the fragile nature of childhood innocence take centre stage, as the film slowly builds towards a poignant revelation. What initially appears to be a straightforward tale of misconduct and blame turns into a nuanced exploration of human connection and the misinterpretations that can arise from incomplete perspectives. As some have remarked, the story is constructed like a kaleidoscope.

The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where it won both the Best Screenplay and the Queer Palm awards. It also earned critical acclaim for its powerful performances. Soya Kurokawa's portrayal of Minato is particularly striking, anchoring the film's exploration of childhood trauma, while Sakura Ando's performance brings depth to the theme of a mother's fierce determination to protect her child. Not only was it a Cannes winner but it acquired many, many other awards and nominations internationally. All fully justified.

The film will be introduced by Dr Jon Hackett, Senior Lecturer in Film and Television at
Brunel University. Jon has provided excellent introductions for RFS for several films in recent years.