Closet Monster (2016)

Closet Monster is the kind of movie that grabs you by the boo boo and doesn't let go until it's over. Seldom do I come across a movie that holds on to my complete attention from beginning to end. It was over before I even realized how captivating it was. It was that good!When I was looking for something to watch, I remember thinking to myself while reading the movie description, who are these people? I didn't recognize any cast members and thought it was probably going to be some low-budget, 2nd rate wanna be gay block buster. Surprisingly, it was not at all what I expected and definitely a must see!

PROS: The first thing that you need to mention with this movie is the acting. With a whole bunch of new faces you tend to assume the worst, and this was not the case here. This movie was filled with good actors, from small roles to big ones such as the main character Oscar played by Conner Jessup. Although this movie was not a horror, the strong message that the movie had was delivered in a horrific way. You really got to see the dark the scary side of being a gay kid in the closet. This was shown in a very poetic way as well. With every scene being a metaphor for something greater and all the metaphors added up to sending a strong message at the end. The final thing that I really appreciated was the transitions in the film. Each transition did more than go from one scene to the next, the transitions acted sort of like chapters in the main characters life. This gave the movie that lit bit of an extra touch.CONS: For me the few cons are greatly overshadowed by the film as a whole, but it doesn't mean they aren't there. The first problem I had was the one scene with the nuts and bolts. I won't give anything away, but this seen, although very deep and spine chilling, was very confusing. It was very brief and held no further context to the film. The other thing that bothered me was the ending. I completely understand that the ending needed to be simple to cope with the intense climax, but there is a difference between simple and boring. This movie forgot that.www.chorror.com

It was a bit surprise film, because I did not get the film plot in the beginning. I did not know it was about gay. Well, it was not entirely on that theme, but comes there after so many turns in the tale. So this is a coming-of-age and to discover sexuality theme. Also very neatly points out how a person develops his character by the influence of his surroundings. Even if it all begins with a small mistake or playful thing, in that small age, it all looks very serious, especially a character like in this film.Despite it was a cinematic, that might be true in real life. The parents as well influence their kids to grow up in a better path. So parenting fail too was highlighted in here. It was unfortunate how the father character was turned out at the end. That is the moment I could not decide whom I'm rooting for. It was like, seemed nobody's fault, but out of the guilt and frustration, emotion bursts out and things happen which is what this film focused on.Good performances, a well shot film. One of the nice LGBT films I've seen. Only on the reality side, it worked, but not as an inspiration. Though one can consider it an awareness film. I feel it should be watched, but not as a must see. Because of so many issues it centres, like a boy growing up facing them, what he becomes was revealed in its message. I think it's good for watching once.6/10

This is a gay based drama about a boy, Oscar (played as a grown up by Connor Jessup of 'Falling Skies' fame). He has had a childhood that few would be envious of. We see some of that childhood and then move on to when he is all grown up and longing to leave his hometown and go to art school – preferably in New York.He is a creative and gifted soul who has a best friend in Gemma (Sofia Banzhaf who I love as she was in a 'Belle and Sebastian' video; the stupendous Scottish band)– he also talks to his hamster who is more than happy to reciprocate. He has got to the age where he no longer knows where the boundaries are or moreover he no longer agrees with them in any case. He is also trying to cope with his burgeoning sexuality and the attitudes of orthodox heterosexuality and casual and actual homophobia that have plagued him since boyhood.Now this is a film where the themes are more universal and the parents and home issues are also ones that many will empathise with. Jessup plays the role really well and is completely convincing, but he is ably supported, especially from Aaron Abrams ('Hannibal') playing his father; that said all players here are up to muster. It is also a charming film and steers clear of the sensational side of drama to keep both feet as firmly as possible in the realms of reality (talking hamster aside that is); which I very much appreciated. This is a thoughtful, well made, acted, directed and scripted film with enough going on to keep you hooked and some good, every day humour to show its human side – so very much recommended.