Monster (2023) - 6/10
This is a film told from three different perspectives and the story repeatedly rewinds, reshuffles and reframes events, leaving you thoroughly confused about what's actually happened and wondering if you need a lie down. But that's very much the point. Just when you think you've got everyone figured out, you're reminded you that there's usually more than one side to every story. It's ultimately about perspective, misunderstanding and childhood friendship, exploring how adults have an unfortunate habit of imposing their own rigid, structured view of the world onto children. We see situations through the eyes of people who don't have all the information, don't understand each other's motivations and are often far too busy making assumptions to actually communicate with one another. If that sound familiar then you must have been married too. It cleverly explores the idea that there isn't necessarily one definitive version of the truth. Something my ex-wife would disagree with, I'm sure, because nothing was ever her fault. But in life, everyone has their own interpretation of events, shaped by what they've witnessed, what they've been told and what they believe to be happening. The problem with life, and with relationships, is that nobody has the full picture - except my ex-wife apparently - and the motivations behind people's actions aren't always visible to those judging them. We should all, especially my ex-wife, spend a little less time jumping to conclusions and a little more time trying to understand one another.