Monster (2023)

If you’re a fan of both realistic horror and experimental films, then Monster fits the bill. With no dialogue besides the occasional name-drop, Monster is a show, don’t tell movie that depicts the scariest thing of all: man. Two kidnapped children try to escape from the dire situation that they find themselves in after being nabbed in broad daylight.

This Indonesian psychological horror is a very real fear that many children and parents have. This film does a great job of showing just how futile and powerless we can be to the evils hidden among us. The direct and implied terror in this house of horrors is effective in provoking the fight or flight reaction and survival instincts of the two children. The pacing throughout is steady with suspense but little variation or changes in tone. The kids do a great job of presenting fear without speaking. While it does transcend the subbed or dubbed barrier that many cinema viewers argue over, there are times when the lack of dialogue doesn’t feel natural and causes the scene to fall short. Since there are no true spoken lines in this movie, you would expect more focus and intention in the usage of sound and visuals. The audio doesn’t bring anything special and even seems distorted at times - intentional or not. The bleak and cool tones of the movie definitely fit the vibe, but once again, isn’t noteworthy. There are some great shots and framing that make it visually interesting at points shot-wise. 

Overall, Monster is an experimental film that I wouldn’t go out of my way to watch. I did enjoy the strength and resolve of the girl even when put in a tough situation. The poor logic, lack of dialogue, less than stellar sound design, and minimal eye-catching scenes makes this an unforgettable film.