Monster

Koreeda's latest is more plot than it is a gentle character study, and that means that he's not playing to his strengths. It's a pleasant enough film, with some touches that are unique to Koreeda, but the mix of an overly construed plot and subtle drama don't necessarily mix well together.

When a single mother starts to suspect that her son is being bullied at school, she takes matters into her own hands and confronts the school. They are careful not to insult her without taking responsibility, which only further escalates the situation. But things are not what they seem, as will be revealed by the boy's version of the story.

The Rashomon setup felt a little unnecessary, the LGBTQ+ themes are also somewhat superfluous, and two hours is a little too generous for what is a simple story. The setting, performances, and non-narrative moments are vintage Koreeda though. A pleasant enough film, but he can do a lot better.