Closet Monster (2015) User Reviews (36)

One of the best coming-of-age films you will ever see.

[JohnDeSando · 11 October 2016]

"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.

Evocative and Melancholic Drama

[bkrauser-81-311064 · 8/10 · 23 October 2016]

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.

One thing one can't say about this movie is that it's typical.

[Seth_Rogue_One · 7/10 · 19 January 2017]

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.

Surprisingly effective

[Red_Identity · 11 December 2016]

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.

The perfect coming of age story.

[subxerogravity · 7/10 · 18 October 2016]

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.

Just a note..

[charlottetavenor · 10/10 · 26 September 2016]

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?

Good coming out film

[justahunch-70549 · 7/10 · 29 June 2022]

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.

A living breathing poem

[cmovies-99674 · 8/10 · 5 September 2017]

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

Amusing, Interesting Coming of Age Tale from Canada

[t-dooley-69-386916 · 7/10 · 19 October 2016]

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.

Wow...Just Wow

[pensacolacomputer · 10/10 · 1 November 2016]

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

SURPRISED.

[andrewchristianjr · 8/10 · 27 January 2021]

Influential of surroundings on one's character development. 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.

PTSD and Coming of Age and Out

[okletmereviewit · 8/10 · 23 October 2016]

This movie is an amazing tale of coming of age and coming to terms with ones own sexuality. This movie for being an Indie film portrays the inner dialogue and the inner turmoil of coming to terms with ones sexuality, as well as showing the hidden side of a broken home. The movie begins with young Oscar (Jack Fulton) and his father tucking him into bed and their nightly rituals of his father (Aaron Abrams) "giving him a dream".

In the next scene you see Oscar and mother (Joanne Kelly) and father giving him a present of a Hamster, and then his father declaring that Oscars mother is leaving them. You then see Oscar in his room with the hamster, who begins "talking" to Oscar (voiced by Isabella Rossellini) and names herself "Buffy" (as in Buffy the Vampire Slayer) but the voice is an inner monologue that Oscar creates for the critter and is a comforting mechanism for him, as throughout the movie you gain the feeling that Oscar only has one friend, Gemma (Sofia Banzhaf).

The PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) comes in when while coming home from school one day, Oscar notices a group of kids bullying another student. He follows them to a secluded cemetery where they see them beating the kids and sodomizing him with a piece of re-bar. Later that night Oscar and his dad are watching the News coverage of the situation and Oscars asks his dad why they did that and the father said "because he was gay" and makes a side reference to Oscars long shaggy hair. To which Oscar being scared cuts his hair himself.

Skip forward: Now Oscar as a teen (Connor Jessup) is taking pictures of Gemma for his portfolio for admissions into college. We also see that the now 18yr old Oscar is now working in a general hardware store who is ran by Allison (Mary Walsh) who teaches him the basics of greeting customers and how to help them make selections, etc. After his shift while in the employee locker room a strapping young man named Wilder (Aliocha Schneider) checks his locker for his employee uniform and realizes that it is not there and asks to borrow Oscars shirt. This is the first time that we witness Oscar's sexual preference, when Wilder takes off his shirt and puts on Oscars shirt. Oscar longingly looks at the finely toned body of Wilder.

Later the next day Wilder gives Oscar his shirt back before work, and says thanks. You then see Oscar smelling the shirt to see if it was "ok" to wear. And then he rushes into the restroom with the shirt and begins touching himself and fantasizing about Wilder, and then has a flash of the students sodomizing that other student when he was a kid.

Slowly Oscar and Wilder begin a friendship and get closer. As Oscar and Gemma seem to grow apart. Things at home take a turn for the worse as Oscars father begins seeing a woman, and Oscar becomes more frustrated with himself, work, life and everything between. It finally escalates into a fight with his father that leaves Oscar physically assaulting his dad, and running away to a party that Wilder had invited him to.

At the party he finds Wilder and his friends, and they take Oscar to a room and put together a costume for him to wear for the party. Wilders friends take some Ecstasy and begin to really party it up. Gemma runs into Oscar and realizes that he is high and Oscar excuses himself as he notices that Wilder is talking to some girls. A guy approaches Oscar and begins hitting on him, and Oscar who was holding out for Wilder notices that he is kissing a girl. So Oscar and the guy make their way into the bathroom where they begin to kiss and have sex. In the midst of it Oscar begins to have flash backs of the beaten boy in the cemetery and freaks out, vomits and passes out.

We then see Wilder waking him up and helping him home. Oscar and Wilder spend the night together in Oscars tree house. Oscar and Wilder begin talking about the escapades of the night and things turn to sexuality when Oscar mistakes Wilders reaching for a bottle of water as him wanting to kiss. Embarrassed, Oscar asks him to leave, and they begin to talk about it, and then Wilder kisses him. In the morning you see Oscar wake up and find a note from Wilder basically saying "See you later gotta run" and you are not sure if the two had slept together or not. Oscar sneaks back into his room only to find that everything had been destroyed by his father.

The next scene you see his mother and father fighting as Oscar is looking through whats left of his possessions that are scattered throughout the drive way. Oscar sees his beloved Buffy laying dead in her cage. Enraged by this, Oscar comes to terms with his sexuality and breaks something of his fathers and then moves in with his mother. The movie ends with Oscar moving to a small house near the beach. Leaving you wondering how much time had passed or if he was in a school or what was going on.

But throughout the whole of the movie. The sexuality is done in a very muted and respectable manner. There is some cussing and things like that but over all very tastefully done. If you are a lover of coming to age films or films dealing with the nature of coming out, then you are sure to love this movie.

Dunn's heartfelt story is blasé but mercifully grafts its emotional charge with something fluctuating between hope and honest

[lasttimeisaw · 6/10 · 17 September 2017]

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.

Reality clash

[religioneliminator · 8/10 · 10 February 2017]

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.

Your usual LGBT film just without a real first love or the type of drama you're used to.

[Amari-Sali · 7/10 · 1 January 2017]

Trigger Warning(s):

Bullying (Homophobia) | Grotesque Imagery (Stage Makeup) | Vomit

Noted Actor(s)

Oscar (Connor Jessup) | Peter (Aaron Abrams) | Buffy (Isabella Rossellini) | Wilder (Aliocha Schneider)

Characters & Storyline

Oscar has primarily grown up with his father Peter. To say the least, Peter is homophobic. Not to the point he'd march against gay rights and what have you but, arguably, like many, he tolerates the existence of gay people but wouldn't necessarily want to accept them in his family. Especially his son. But the story isn't about Peter, nor really his relationship with Oscar. What this movie is about is Oscar trying to get away from his town for a new life in New York, the ability for new experiences, of which one includes falling in love with a boy. So when a young man named Wilder is hired at the same Home Depot-esque store, may dreams come true for this talented makeup artists?

Highlights

The Hamster (Buffy)

Usually, pets are just accessories and not much more but for Oscar his pet Buffy he gives a voice to. She, technically he, is a long- term friend, a confidant, and also one of the few comical characters of a rather drab film.

A Different Kind of Queer Boy

To me, diversity isn't just showing gay people, showing Black people, and etc, you have to also surpass the stereotypes. Which isn't to say I don't support or like the idea of femme men getting their story told on screen, but arguably they hold the flag, they are the ones you often see while it is like masculine men are still in the closet. So with Oscar being into monster makeup and good with his hands, I feel it helps bring a fuller mosaic in terms of what gay people look like and what their interest are. For while, yes, makeup is often associated with gay men, this dude was making these cool ass monsters and hanged out in a tree house and just made his sexuality perhaps the least interesting thing about him.

On The Fence

No Real Romance or Conflict

While Wilder flirts with Oscar, nothing really comes of it. While Peter is homophobic, there is no reconciliation or some big to do about it. The lack of romance and drama is different and I can't say if that is good or bad. I will say though that it did leave you feeling that perhaps the movie should have then made Oscar's fears of being hurt or murdered, for being gay a more central focus. That alongside perhaps a fear of anal sex, since one situation seemed to trigger some kind of PTSD.

Overall: Mixed

A part of me wants to label this as Positive (Worth Seeing) but I'm struggling to come up with a way to justify that. For while I can praise the use of the hamster as a means of support and the media continuing to diversify the representation of gay men, I got nothing which justifies sitting and watching a 90-minute movie. No one's performance is awe-inspiring, every road the story could have gone done it just peers with binoculars, and it leaves me with nothing to really say you may get excited about. So, mixed seems like the best option.

Pretty darn good!

[chermcguire · 9/10 · 3 July 2022]

Acting is top notch! Excellent story line. Quite deep! This movie had my full attention from beginning to end. For a mature audience. Watched it in tv. Will have to record it to skip commercials.

Great script, casting, acting, cinematography, terrible soundtrack

[starfish69 · 7/10 · 14 April 2020]

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.

Closet Monster 2015 Review

[bobismonkeyboy · 10/10 · 7 August 2021]

Closet Monster 2015 Directed by Stephen Dunn Reviewed by Eddie Balogh Dunn's 2015 semi-autobiographical debut is a superb piece of filmmaking.

Closet Monster follows the life of Oscar Madley through his uneasy childhood into adulthood. The split of his parents at an early age, his father's homophobic and ignorant remarks as well as witnessing a gay hate crime affects Oscar in the years to come, as it would any child.

Flash forward and Oscar (played by the captivating Connor Jessup) is now a senior finishing high school and hoping to go to an arts school for SPFX makeup. He lives with his pressing and tempestuous father and his pet hamster Buffy (voiced by the one and only Isabella Rosellini) whom he looks to for guidance. Oscar's best friend Gemma (Sofia Banzhaf) is also a big part of his life. As Oscar begins to develop a crush coupled with a looming sexual desire for his coworker he fantasizes about his coworker in the workplace bathroom, he has his hands down his pants when suddenly he abruptly jolts out of it when he visualizes a bloody rod pushing out from his abdomen symbolizing his internalized homophobia and shame - two things that can take a lifetime to overcome.

Dunn's approach to his material is refreshing as elements of magical-realism are superbly crafted. He really pushes the boundaries of the conventional coming of age tale.

As Oscar strives to leave his native Newfoundland for his dream school in NYC he is eventually struck with disappointing news. "Unfortunately, under careful review..." reads his admission letter. After not getting into the only school he applied to, he has a small altercation with his father and storms out to go to a costume party at Wilder's as an act of authenticity. After taking drugs a euphoria induced Oscar dances with a guy, however while they are dancing, he notices Wilder making out with someone else. He then proceeds to hook up with the guy from the party in the downstairs bathroom. This is a turning point for him as he is compensating for the built-up shame from all those years.

The following day as he has a revelation, he visits his mother and wants to move in with her, away from his volatile father. He returns back home for his hamster only to realize that his father has killed it. The climactic final act shows Oscar's parents arguing and Oscar simultaneously freeing himself out of toxic shame and internalized homophobia as he literally pulls out the metal rod from his abdomen in a bloody succession. It is here that we realize how much he has developed and transformed from the boy he was in the beginning of the film. Jessup's performance is nothing short of phenomenal, he is truly fascinating to watch.

Closet Monster is a reminder to be kinder to one's self, self-acceptance and self-discovery are as necessary as they are liberating. It is quite rare to see this type of film radiate such imaginative and visually striking imagery with such originality. Stephen Dunn is a sublime filmmaker to look out for.

I rate Closet Monster 5 stars.

Awesome Movie

[danlucker · 10/10 · 8 November 2017]

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!

Haunting

[yanghenry41 · 9/10 · 30 October 2021]

I think about this movie *a lot*. All the hamster stuff is so funny - and of course I'm obsessed with Isabella Rossellini - but the frame structure and the horror elements elevate this queer coming-of-age film in totally wonderful ways. I saw it twice in the theater. It still haunts me.

Be Proud of Who You Are Artistically and Being Gay

[robert23-1 · 10/10 · 20 March 2018]

Finally, I agree wholeheartedly with the rating given this absolutely wonderful, Canadian made and multi-award winning "Indie"(Independent) film including two of its actors(Jack Fulton, young Oscar and Connor Jessop, Oscar @ 18)! With 10 wins and 7 nominations, it's no wonder, to me, this movie is one of the best movies of its genre. Though gay themed, the gay scenes, especially between Oscar and "Wilder"( admirably portrayed by Sneider) were very well done as well as the private "party" scene between Oscar and Andrew(ably portrayed by James Hawksley), a credit to the director. Often times, movies with young leads, don't always succeed. Not so in this movie! Connor Jessop who played Oscar(18) throughout most of the movie, was himself a 2016 FilmOut San Diego winner for outstanding emerging talent. Kudos to the casting department, writer & director for such an outstanding movie. Although it is important to recognize the acting talents of the supporting cast, Jessop's superb acting skills, in large part to carry a movie like this, must not go unrecognized! This movie is a must see for LGBT youth who struggle every day with either sexual orientation(intimacy) or identification(who you are or desire to become)! This is 2018 & there are lots of support groups and more understanding & acceptance more than ever before! To parents reading this review, love your child no matter what!

Well shot film with some flaws

[kthompson-72577 · 5/10 · 20 October 2016]

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).

Lovely

[kimzimelody · 9/10 · 19 January 2020]

I just want see more and better gay themed movies in 2020 🌈

Unexpectedly Entertaining!

[zepolm · 10/10 · 20 December 2017]

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!

Coming of age

[sputnik29 · 8/10 · 15 January 2018]

Nice piece of work, great soundtrack, gripping storyline. At various points, the reality of the authentic and extraordinary story mixes with the dream or thought world.

Intertwined actions develop a dynamic that lets almost all characters appear in the light of guilt and at the same time innocence. Especially between the mother and Oskar exists an untypical, "undercooled" connection, because she consoles with words - no embrace.

From many directions, the adolescent boy is required to withstand the tensions, which at a climax when the wooden peg is discovered and then fades out in a melancholy, lonely harmony. Not easy, growing up staged with the farewell of the faithful companion - the hamster.

Was rarely so excited. I especially like that the film does not serve a "mainstream". It is neither a superlative movie that saves the whole world, nor does the audience be admonished to morality, but lets digest the upset emotions at the calming ending.