Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- tense
- serious
- melancholic
- thoughtful evening viewing
- social justice film night
What critics said
Critics broadly found the timely legal drama emotionally effective through Kelvin Harrison Jr.'s performance, while considering its treatment heavy-handed.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Steve's voice-over and filmmaking perspective shape how the courtroom proceedings and remembered events are presented.
Steve is an honors student and aspiring filmmaker whose teenage identity is overshadowed by a murder charge and imprisonment.
The courtroom-centered present is intercut with extended flashbacks narrated by Steve about the robbery and its aftermath.
The film places a Black teenager's fight for innocence within an emotionally charged criminal trial and institutional setting.
Films like Monster, and why
The Trial of the Chicago 7
courtroom-centered drama about a young person confronting a serious criminal accusation and the justice system
Just Mercy
emotionally direct legal drama focused on racial injustice, family support, and a defendant fighting for dignity
Fruitvale Station
youth-centered crime drama balancing institutional pressure with questions of innocence, identity, and moral responsibility
Movie Details
- Director
- Anthony Mandler
- Release Date
- 2021-07-15
- Runtime
- 98 min
- Rating
- 6.4 / 10 (114)
Cast
- Kelvin Harrison Jr.
- Jeffrey Wright
- Jennifer Hudson
- Jennifer Ehle
- Tim Blake Nelson
- John David Washington
- A$AP Rocky
- Lovie Simone
- Nas
- Jharrel Jerome
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Monster about?
- An aspiring teenage filmmaker must preserve his sense of self while defending his innocence in a murder trial.
- What is Monster like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Monster as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Monster violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Monster as moderate.
- What did critics think of Monster?
- Critics broadly found the timely legal drama emotionally effective through Kelvin Harrison Jr.'s performance, while considering its treatment heavy-handed.
- Which films are like Monster?
- Films with a similar feel include The Trial of the Chicago 7, Just Mercy, and Fruitvale Station.
- How long is Monster?
- Monster runs 98 minutes.
- Where can I watch Monster?
- In United States, Monster streams on Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads.
