The Monster Mash-Up: A Film Review

So, I watched “Monster” last night, and let me tell ya, it was quite the ride! A bit like biking down Drottninggatan in the rain without an umbrella. You’d think with a name like “Monster,” we’d be diving into some heavy horror, but instead, we got a cocktail of drama mixed with societal critiques. Directed by the talented Anthony Mandler and featuring Kelvin Harrison Jr., Jennifer Hudson, and Jeffrey Wright, the film tackles some hefty themes. It reminded me a smidge of when I first discovered Ingmar Bergman’s films—heavy stuff that makes you think.

Anyway, back to the point. The film, it’s about a young aspiring filmmaker tangled up in a criminal case, leaves you wondering what’s really black and white in our justice system. Harrison Jr. brings a depth that’s frankly rare these days for actors his age. There’s a rawness in his performance, perhaps something akin to biting into a perfectly crisp kanelbulle, you know? It’s textured, layered.

But here’s the thing—there were moments I found myself checking the time on my Fitbit. A bit too long here and there, dragging in spots where I wished they’d pick up the pace. Like when you’re waiting for the bus on a cold November morning, and it just doesn’t show up. Yet, when Hudson sings, man, it takes you to another dimension. Pure magic.

Oh, and when the courtroom scenes kick in with Jeffrey Wright’s simmering gravitas, it reminded me of those cold Scandinavian crime dramas we Swedes love on Friday nights. You feel every tension and word like watching the ice melt in a spring thaw.

Catch it for the performances and maybe a decent plot twist or two. As for me, I’ll digest the themes over a fika and ponder how it mirrors our societal tales. Until next time, maybe we bump into each other at the cinema?

Check the trailer below