36 reviews
Closet Monster is that rare first feature coming from an auteur with vision, clarity of thought and a voice unique enough to rise above the noise. Chances are few will see it; its limited appeal, not to mention limited release isn't likely to turn many heads. Yet for those who seek it, and more importantly, those who stumble on it years in the future, this movie is just enough to maybe fall in love with.
Even at a young age, Oscar (Jessup) didn't exactly have it easy. His parents divorced early on in a scene depicted as both turbulent and petulant. He boards largely with his father (Abrams), in a living situation that highly suggests some serious transgressions on the mother's (Kelly) part. What's worse is somewhere amid the memories of tree house building and playing vampire hunter, Oscar vividly remembers the beating and paralysis of a gay teenager from his school. Years later Oscar's worst kept secret is hidden from his father by his presumed interest in his photography model Gemma (Banzhaf) and a macabre fascination with monster makeup. That of course all changes and threatens to unravel with the arrival of Wilder (Schneider), whose wavy blonde hair and exotic accent appeals to the tortured Oscar.
Oscar's story might as well be an analog to every closeted teen, suffocating under the provincialism of their hometown, longing for an escape to the assumed gay utopias of New York, San Francisco or Miami Beach. The universality of his story is further hammered home by a host of tried and true storytelling techniques literalizing his journey. Oscar infers his conscience via his pet guinea pig Buffy (Rossellini) in order to process his complex emotions. Key images and plot points are amplified by hyperbole and forays into body horror and intellectual montage. In many ways Closet Monster invites comparisons to other fanta-fablest films like Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015) and Swiss Army Man (2016) especially when it comes to exploring emotionally salient themes.
Yet just like those films, Closet Monster occasionally undermines its themes in the service of artistic flourish. Director Stephen Dunn indulges in one too many moments of ponderous slow-motion and euphoric whimsy with the same film-school pretension that sunk similar films like Before I Disappear (2014). Yet when the movie pivots into its groove, it really does have a lot to say through Oscar's unique, granular life. Connor Jessup does an incredible job balancing a role that requires layers of alienation, tension and longing while also conveying outward vulnerability and priggishness. While I personally wish his relationship with his father had more complexity and objectivity than the average emotional abuse cliché, the film does leave things open for reconciliation.
Closet Monster is certainly not the definitive coming-out movie; I'm pretty sure The Way He Looks (2014) took that spot away from My Own Private Idaho (1991) quite some time ago. Yet as a evocative drama and melancholic piece of entertainment, it has the seriousness and caprice to stand on its own merits. And if it gives young kids like Oscar the courage to be themselves then I say it's all worth it.
Even at a young age, Oscar (Jessup) didn't exactly have it easy. His parents divorced early on in a scene depicted as both turbulent and petulant. He boards largely with his father (Abrams), in a living situation that highly suggests some serious transgressions on the mother's (Kelly) part. What's worse is somewhere amid the memories of tree house building and playing vampire hunter, Oscar vividly remembers the beating and paralysis of a gay teenager from his school. Years later Oscar's worst kept secret is hidden from his father by his presumed interest in his photography model Gemma (Banzhaf) and a macabre fascination with monster makeup. That of course all changes and threatens to unravel with the arrival of Wilder (Schneider), whose wavy blonde hair and exotic accent appeals to the tortured Oscar.
Oscar's story might as well be an analog to every closeted teen, suffocating under the provincialism of their hometown, longing for an escape to the assumed gay utopias of New York, San Francisco or Miami Beach. The universality of his story is further hammered home by a host of tried and true storytelling techniques literalizing his journey. Oscar infers his conscience via his pet guinea pig Buffy (Rossellini) in order to process his complex emotions. Key images and plot points are amplified by hyperbole and forays into body horror and intellectual montage. In many ways Closet Monster invites comparisons to other fanta-fablest films like Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015) and Swiss Army Man (2016) especially when it comes to exploring emotionally salient themes.
Yet just like those films, Closet Monster occasionally undermines its themes in the service of artistic flourish. Director Stephen Dunn indulges in one too many moments of ponderous slow-motion and euphoric whimsy with the same film-school pretension that sunk similar films like Before I Disappear (2014). Yet when the movie pivots into its groove, it really does have a lot to say through Oscar's unique, granular life. Connor Jessup does an incredible job balancing a role that requires layers of alienation, tension and longing while also conveying outward vulnerability and priggishness. While I personally wish his relationship with his father had more complexity and objectivity than the average emotional abuse cliché, the film does leave things open for reconciliation.
Closet Monster is certainly not the definitive coming-out movie; I'm pretty sure The Way He Looks (2014) took that spot away from My Own Private Idaho (1991) quite some time ago. Yet as a evocative drama and melancholic piece of entertainment, it has the seriousness and caprice to stand on its own merits. And if it gives young kids like Oscar the courage to be themselves then I say it's all worth it.
- bkrauser-81-311064
- Oct 22, 2016
- Permalink
A pretty unique film, which is rarely seen in films these days.
I can't say too much about the film because it's sort of a mystery, wrapped around a coming of age drama story with some horror elements here and there to spice things up and on top of all that add on a talking hamster.
If I was to compare it with some other movies I would say something like a mix of Mysterious Skin meets The Perks Of Being A Wallflower meets Donnie Darko, now while it isn't as great as those said films it isn't too far off either, it is a competent piece of filmmaking by it's own merit.
And well acted all across the board.
Might bump the rating up on the rewatch but we will see, 7 is still a solid rating coming from me.
I can't say too much about the film because it's sort of a mystery, wrapped around a coming of age drama story with some horror elements here and there to spice things up and on top of all that add on a talking hamster.
If I was to compare it with some other movies I would say something like a mix of Mysterious Skin meets The Perks Of Being A Wallflower meets Donnie Darko, now while it isn't as great as those said films it isn't too far off either, it is a competent piece of filmmaking by it's own merit.
And well acted all across the board.
Might bump the rating up on the rewatch but we will see, 7 is still a solid rating coming from me.
- Seth_Rogue_One
- Jan 18, 2017
- Permalink
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
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
- cmovies-99674
- Sep 4, 2017
- Permalink
Not a review, just wanted to point out that the person who gave a one- star review based on the lack of french-Canadian accents in this film..
... this is not a french-Canadian film. This is a film made by a Newfoundlander, set in Newfoundland, written in Toronto, and only has one character in the entire movie who is supposed to be french- Canadian. Giving one star based on your interpretation of an accent, when that's not even the accent most actors are portraying is really, really lame.
Personally, I truly enjoyed this film and it's twisted, dream-like format. The plot was semi autobiographical, and you can see the care and passion that everyone involved in the project put into it. Plus, who doesn't like a talking hamster?
... this is not a french-Canadian film. This is a film made by a Newfoundlander, set in Newfoundland, written in Toronto, and only has one character in the entire movie who is supposed to be french- Canadian. Giving one star based on your interpretation of an accent, when that's not even the accent most actors are portraying is really, really lame.
Personally, I truly enjoyed this film and it's twisted, dream-like format. The plot was semi autobiographical, and you can see the care and passion that everyone involved in the project put into it. Plus, who doesn't like a talking hamster?
- charlottetavenor
- Sep 25, 2016
- Permalink
"I wasn't always this confident. Growing up as the awkward gay kid in a small town in Pennsylvania, you're constantly told, 'Don't be yourself, don't be proud of who you are.'" Carson Kressley
From fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) to Boyhood (2014), coming –of-age movies over the last 30 years or so have been richly diverse from fantasy to reality. Certainly, being oneself was top priority.
Closet Monster deftly bridges that variety, presenting the tale of queer Oscar (Jack Fulton as a boy, Connor Jessup as 18 years old), whose mom abandons him early in life and dad doesn't measure up in the sensitive category. This entertaining film is more like a bittersweet indie than a mainstream comedy and one of the best of its kind in years.
Along with some appropriate fantasy sequences and a talking hamster (voice of Isabella Rossellini), director/writer Stephen Dunn nonetheless gives us the feeling of reality. Oscar comes slowly to the realization that he's gay with a whole bunch of interest and concern our part. Jessup plays Oscar with such low-key humility and humanity that he makes us want to spend more than ninety minutes with him. I hope Jessup gets the acting recognition he deserves—he's that good.
So real seem Oscar's challenges, from coming on a murderous sex crime as a boy to kicking dad into the closet (nice touch) as a young man, that when we bid him goodbye at a living that will foster his artistic talents, we may well feel we have taken mom's place, or at least the hamster's, in watching him grow up.
The film is realistic but uncompromising as it allows him to be a boy outsider but also befriend an attractive girl, confide in a hamster, and confront his dad with a maturity that suits his perceptive, tough-minded persona. It's no coincidence that the tree house he occupies is a refuge from his dad's temper and a home for his eccentric companions, from the hamster to attractive male friend, Wilder (Aliocha Schneider), and therefore a home for his alternative life.
Even if you are uncertain you would like a gay-centered film, Closet Monster will make you see that a well, warmly-told story from any youth pv will be more exciting than any other mainstream romance you will have seen in a long time.
From fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) to Boyhood (2014), coming –of-age movies over the last 30 years or so have been richly diverse from fantasy to reality. Certainly, being oneself was top priority.
Closet Monster deftly bridges that variety, presenting the tale of queer Oscar (Jack Fulton as a boy, Connor Jessup as 18 years old), whose mom abandons him early in life and dad doesn't measure up in the sensitive category. This entertaining film is more like a bittersweet indie than a mainstream comedy and one of the best of its kind in years.
Along with some appropriate fantasy sequences and a talking hamster (voice of Isabella Rossellini), director/writer Stephen Dunn nonetheless gives us the feeling of reality. Oscar comes slowly to the realization that he's gay with a whole bunch of interest and concern our part. Jessup plays Oscar with such low-key humility and humanity that he makes us want to spend more than ninety minutes with him. I hope Jessup gets the acting recognition he deserves—he's that good.
So real seem Oscar's challenges, from coming on a murderous sex crime as a boy to kicking dad into the closet (nice touch) as a young man, that when we bid him goodbye at a living that will foster his artistic talents, we may well feel we have taken mom's place, or at least the hamster's, in watching him grow up.
The film is realistic but uncompromising as it allows him to be a boy outsider but also befriend an attractive girl, confide in a hamster, and confront his dad with a maturity that suits his perceptive, tough-minded persona. It's no coincidence that the tree house he occupies is a refuge from his dad's temper and a home for his eccentric companions, from the hamster to attractive male friend, Wilder (Aliocha Schneider), and therefore a home for his alternative life.
Even if you are uncertain you would like a gay-centered film, Closet Monster will make you see that a well, warmly-told story from any youth pv will be more exciting than any other mainstream romance you will have seen in a long time.
- JohnDeSando
- Oct 10, 2016
- Permalink
Yes! It's definitely one of your better coming of age stories.
Oscar is a kid dealing with his parents divorce living with his possessive father who manliness clashes with Oscars's artistic side and then there is the fact that he's allowing his sexually to approach the surface. He deals with it by having a close relationship with his hamster, Buffy.
It's a cliché seen in a lot of movies but done so naturally in this one that it does not seem like one at all.
Plus I was surprisingly entertained by the whole movie.
Wonderful character development. I just like all the supporting character's relationship with the main one.
I cant think of another great or greater example of a teen going through growing pains.
Take a look.
Oscar is a kid dealing with his parents divorce living with his possessive father who manliness clashes with Oscars's artistic side and then there is the fact that he's allowing his sexually to approach the surface. He deals with it by having a close relationship with his hamster, Buffy.
It's a cliché seen in a lot of movies but done so naturally in this one that it does not seem like one at all.
Plus I was surprisingly entertained by the whole movie.
Wonderful character development. I just like all the supporting character's relationship with the main one.
I cant think of another great or greater example of a teen going through growing pains.
Take a look.
- subxerogravity
- Oct 17, 2016
- Permalink
Excellent author/director. He got it right. As a gay in this heterosexual world I have been targeted many times, I am now over 50 and still lives this heterosexual segregation daily, especially at work.
The situations you see in this film are REAL daily struggle that ANY gay person live, man or woman. If you are not lucky you get parents that are stupidly heterosexual.
If you want to see and feel what it is like to be born differently, watch this movie. If you are an heterosexual moron, like a lot of ugly people, then don't watch this, you'll get angrier in your moronic mind.
Thank you Stephen Dunn for showing some reality to the world instead of those FALSE Hollywood movies that PRETEND to show you the truth. Most Hollywood movies I've seen about the subject are hilariously schemed and false. It's like they never even spoke with a gay.
Anyway, very sensitive movie, well directed, well written, well acted, this Dunn character amazes me. Good work and don't give up, to me you are a REAL author.
The situations you see in this film are REAL daily struggle that ANY gay person live, man or woman. If you are not lucky you get parents that are stupidly heterosexual.
If you want to see and feel what it is like to be born differently, watch this movie. If you are an heterosexual moron, like a lot of ugly people, then don't watch this, you'll get angrier in your moronic mind.
Thank you Stephen Dunn for showing some reality to the world instead of those FALSE Hollywood movies that PRETEND to show you the truth. Most Hollywood movies I've seen about the subject are hilariously schemed and false. It's like they never even spoke with a gay.
Anyway, very sensitive movie, well directed, well written, well acted, this Dunn character amazes me. Good work and don't give up, to me you are a REAL author.
- religioneliminator
- Feb 9, 2017
- Permalink
This is an interesting coming of age/coming out film, anchored by a charismatic lead, Connor Jessup, about a lonely young man with an imaginary voice coming from an unlikely source assisting him through the separation of his parents and witnessing a violent event against a young gay person that haunts him. The metaphor for his coming out is a little much, but it is original. The ending is nice, but it's a bit of a mystery to me. Where is he?! Nevertheless, this is an appealing and well acted film. While the film belongs to Jessup. Aaron Abrahms is also good as the father who is a mixture of things, good and bad. That imaginary voice comes from a hamster, which is strange, but on a second viewing, is quite funny as well. This young man's first kiss with another male is one to remember.
- justahunch-70549
- Jun 28, 2022
- Permalink
- okletmereviewit
- Oct 22, 2016
- Permalink
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.
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.
- t-dooley-69-386916
- Oct 18, 2016
- Permalink
There are some great qualities of this film: The soundtrack is amazing, the cinematography is great, and there are some interesting and unique themes. However I was mostly disappointing with the film.
The main character, Oscar, is not particularly likable. He retains the "angsty teen" stereotype without many redeeming qualities to combat it; lots of whining, complaining, etc.
On top of this, the storyline is a bit all over the place. There are so many different subplots going on all at once, and they don't exactly mesh together very well. Lots of scenes happen metaphorically, but are displayed literally. In some ways this is very successful, but some it feels either confusing, or too obvious.
Overall I wouldn't necessarily suggest this movie, but I did enjoy some moments (the party scene was great).
The main character, Oscar, is not particularly likable. He retains the "angsty teen" stereotype without many redeeming qualities to combat it; lots of whining, complaining, etc.
On top of this, the storyline is a bit all over the place. There are so many different subplots going on all at once, and they don't exactly mesh together very well. Lots of scenes happen metaphorically, but are displayed literally. In some ways this is very successful, but some it feels either confusing, or too obvious.
Overall I wouldn't necessarily suggest this movie, but I did enjoy some moments (the party scene was great).
- kthompson-72577
- Oct 19, 2016
- Permalink
WOW...just got finished watching this movie, I actually clicked on it by accident...I didn't know what it was and almost turned on something else...I'm so glad I decided to watch it..This is one of the best movies, if not the best I have seen all year...
I will be on the lookout for other movies from this director, VERY well done..and the lead actor did a tremendous job as well, and has a bright future ahead...
I won't get into what the story is about...but I will say that growing up gay can be VERY tough...I know...You feel like you are alone... and no one understands you...So if any other gay person is reading this...Hold on...We all find ourselves...eventually
I will be on the lookout for other movies from this director, VERY well done..and the lead actor did a tremendous job as well, and has a bright future ahead...
I won't get into what the story is about...but I will say that growing up gay can be VERY tough...I know...You feel like you are alone... and no one understands you...So if any other gay person is reading this...Hold on...We all find ourselves...eventually
- pensacolacomputer
- Oct 31, 2016
- Permalink
I really don't have anything bad to say about this film other than the soundtrack, which is frankly one of the worst I've ever heard. The songs were all drenched in way too much reverb, particularly the vocals, and the music just wasn't very good to begin with.
- starfish69
- Apr 13, 2020
- Permalink
Another coming of age film for the modern generation that leaves a million unanswered questions and at times is simply confusing. The transitions from the imaginary to real world interaction aren't very well-defined and the characters are simply boring. The 7+ score drew me into watching, but both the wife and I were left disappointed as so many questions were left unanswered. The gratuitous scene towards the end I assume was meant as a metaphor for something, but it failed to make any sense at all. I often wonder if movies like this reflect how America is changing or if filmmakers are simply to lazy to write a decent story. A generous 5 out of 10.
- toecutter0
- Nov 24, 2016
- Permalink
I had no idea what this was going to be about (well, the title does hint you) and as a result I was felt stunned by how effective I found it to be. Another coming-of-age teen drama, but one that stands out from many other contemporary ones. The screenplay is simple but very well written, and the directing really impressive visually and thematically. This is the first feature-length film of the director and he really shows that he is a talent to look out for. Connor Jessup, who I had previously see from American Crime, is just fantastic here. One of the best leading male performances of the year and I really hope this film gets some traction with critic awards.
- Red_Identity
- Dec 10, 2016
- Permalink
- bobismonkeyboy
- Aug 6, 2021
- Permalink
- Amari-Sali
- Dec 31, 2016
- Permalink
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!
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!
Taking a leaf from Xavier Dolan's book, Canadian filmmaker (born in 1989, the same year of Mr. Dolan) Stephen Dunn's debut feature CLOSET MONSTER flourishes as a coruscating Bildungsroman of a young boy's coming to terms with his homosexuality, against its own threadbare script mired in corny dialogue and workaday characterization.
An eight-year-old Oscar (Fulton) witnesses a horrific bullying of a gay boy which jolts him into building a carapace over his latent bent, things compound when his parents are getting a divorce, and he is mostly saddled with his homophobic father Peter (Abrams), who intends to chisel a macho man out of him (as if carpentry is the panacea). Ten years later, an adolescent Oscar (Jessup) spends most of his time creating special effects make-ups with his best friend Gemma (Banzhaf), and has his first crush on a new colleague Wilder (Schneider) in the hardware store where he works part-time (Oscar + Wilder, you don't say!). Battling his internal conflict (a hormone-driven sensation versus the stigmatized horror of getting aroused by a boy), Oscar takes it out on Gemma and the tension between him and Peter strains, after being rejected by the make- up school he applies for, he desperately needs to get out of the clutches of his parents and face his pestering inner demon, one way or another.
Graphic visual effects are deployed to galvanize audience like a sub-Cronenberg's body-horror, there is something visibly churning inside Oscar's stomach whenever he is aroused, and later materializes itself as a metal pole perforating his belly, when he fumbles around his first sex attempt with a party boy, involuntarily he spews bolts, lots of bolts, of course, they are all figments of his heated imagination, including a talking pet hamster named Buffy (voiced by Isabella Rossellini), whom he cherishes more than anything else in the world since his childhood, because it is his only (imagined) friend knows his true colors. When Oscar finally takes the pole out of his body and is driven by a patricidal impulse, the slo-mo crescendo however, pans out like a bathetic bluff, the fear in his deadbeat father's eyes can hardly justify all the damage he has done.
The psycho-sexual aspect bears down strongly on the story, but the rest is nothing but usual suspects, Connor Jessup makes for a passable lead and is at his best when the camera is floating around him rather than staring directly at him; both Aaron Abrams and Joanne Kelly appear too young to be parents of an 18-year-older, and the former fails miserably to even fake a fatherly affection when he is required. A solid start for an up-and-comer, but distinction is nevertheless a paucity in the end product, in the waves of a post-coming-out-of-closet fashion, Dunn's heartfelt story is blasé but mercifully grafts its emotional charge with something fluctuating between hope and honest.
An eight-year-old Oscar (Fulton) witnesses a horrific bullying of a gay boy which jolts him into building a carapace over his latent bent, things compound when his parents are getting a divorce, and he is mostly saddled with his homophobic father Peter (Abrams), who intends to chisel a macho man out of him (as if carpentry is the panacea). Ten years later, an adolescent Oscar (Jessup) spends most of his time creating special effects make-ups with his best friend Gemma (Banzhaf), and has his first crush on a new colleague Wilder (Schneider) in the hardware store where he works part-time (Oscar + Wilder, you don't say!). Battling his internal conflict (a hormone-driven sensation versus the stigmatized horror of getting aroused by a boy), Oscar takes it out on Gemma and the tension between him and Peter strains, after being rejected by the make- up school he applies for, he desperately needs to get out of the clutches of his parents and face his pestering inner demon, one way or another.
Graphic visual effects are deployed to galvanize audience like a sub-Cronenberg's body-horror, there is something visibly churning inside Oscar's stomach whenever he is aroused, and later materializes itself as a metal pole perforating his belly, when he fumbles around his first sex attempt with a party boy, involuntarily he spews bolts, lots of bolts, of course, they are all figments of his heated imagination, including a talking pet hamster named Buffy (voiced by Isabella Rossellini), whom he cherishes more than anything else in the world since his childhood, because it is his only (imagined) friend knows his true colors. When Oscar finally takes the pole out of his body and is driven by a patricidal impulse, the slo-mo crescendo however, pans out like a bathetic bluff, the fear in his deadbeat father's eyes can hardly justify all the damage he has done.
The psycho-sexual aspect bears down strongly on the story, but the rest is nothing but usual suspects, Connor Jessup makes for a passable lead and is at his best when the camera is floating around him rather than staring directly at him; both Aaron Abrams and Joanne Kelly appear too young to be parents of an 18-year-older, and the former fails miserably to even fake a fatherly affection when he is required. A solid start for an up-and-comer, but distinction is nevertheless a paucity in the end product, in the waves of a post-coming-out-of-closet fashion, Dunn's heartfelt story is blasé but mercifully grafts its emotional charge with something fluctuating between hope and honest.
- lasttimeisaw
- Sep 16, 2017
- Permalink
- samifarah-34991
- Dec 24, 2021
- Permalink
A very good scrip idea , but eventhough the characters it centers around are young , I felt it could have been deeper & the characters more honest with eachother, aside from the one who Oscar has a huge sexual crush on , he doesn't even want to kiss his fantasy guy ?
- andregastown-31847
- Sep 10, 2020
- Permalink
The trouble is in trying to understand and empathize with the main character, Oscar. He seems to have little or no survival instincts to take care of himself, sometimes even deliberately walking into further trouble.
- AvaEtoctober
- Sep 12, 2019
- Permalink
I am not going to give anything away on this post, but Connor Jessup is, in my opinion, going to be a star. In this movie he portrays a young kid who is struggling with his sexual identity.
I think how he goes through his senior year with his best friend might relate to many people who watch the movie. It did for me.
I think that Connor is going to be a HUGE star in the upcoming future. However, if he just keeps making small movies that are impactful as this one, that is fine with me.
BTW, the talking gerbil was Brilliant!
I think how he goes through his senior year with his best friend might relate to many people who watch the movie. It did for me.
I think that Connor is going to be a HUGE star in the upcoming future. However, if he just keeps making small movies that are impactful as this one, that is fine with me.
BTW, the talking gerbil was Brilliant!
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
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
- Reno-Rangan
- Apr 23, 2017
- Permalink
Sorry, but that was one of the borest films ever. Nothing happened. No firm story line. Acting was good but the story... Duh...
- bachureliz
- Jun 20, 2021
- Permalink