Closet Monster [DVD]

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.

Interesting and well thought through

We liked it, bit dark how it starts and definitely some adult themes but good film

From what I could manage the film appeared very good however deals with quite a graphic hate crime and its aftermath which if you are sensitive to is hard to watch. Personally it brought up uncomfortable memories so I wasn't able to get into the film. Just be mindful before watching. However this is not to say the film is bad as it looks very good and hard subjects are important to tackle in cinema. Just be aware of what you are getting into.

A hard but ultimately rewarding watch . A delicate 9 year old boy trying to survive his parents divorce. Witnesses a brutal hate crime in Newfoundland where a young gay man is murdered with a metal rod. this has a devastating effect on him. His father loves him bit can not really communicate with him. He grows up damaged. also he is obsessed with horror. he is a graphic make up artist. And this becomes the expression of his inner turmoil.He is gay but does not know how to express it. Fantastic acting and directing. Incidentally this director wrote the book script and is gay and grew up in Newfoundland, and saw the lead actor at his uni. The only bit that is a hard watch but was inevitable was a brief rape scene at a party. Watch it you will not be disappointed. I was not. Respect to the director and Conner the lead actor.

Closet Monster makes the ordinary life of an ordinary boy be extraordinary. It achieves this by getting up close with the boy/teenager —both with his feelings and the way it frames him— and entertaining hallucinatory events, accompanying his every move by a killer soundtrack. This alone would be reason enough to watch, but it is a well-balanced film anyway.PS : the immortal talking hamster plays a very minor part in the film.

It was difficult for me to stay present with the horrible hate crime and the trauma it left in Oscar. A potential viewer should be aware of what's coming. I had to force myself to take it all in, because I feel that it is important to know and internalise what is still so wrong in the world. Putting this aspect aside, what an amazing performance by Connor Jessup, powerful story by Stephen Dunn, a perfect addition of the majestic landscape of Newfoundland, singular soundtrack, also excellent work by the other key performers. Incredible achievement, important story, thanks to Stephen Dunn for telling it!

I've got the film because I am interested in the topic. I watched it and broke out in tears afterwards. The storyline is heartbreaking the acting extremely well. I so felt for Oscar. Probably the best film for a long time. The music was very fitting the actors very well chosen. As some people mentioned here about the hamster Buffy, I didn't find confusing or absurd. I found the death of that little thing so sad, I couldn't keep my tears from rolling. I loved every minute of the film and would recommend it to everyone who wants to see a good film. Outstanding.