Monster (12A)

Hirokazu Kore-eda (Shoplifters, Broker) returns with an exquisitely layered conundrum that is a both coming-of-age film and thriller– who or what is the monster of the title? Saori becomes aware her eleven-year-old son Minato is behaving strangely and goes to his school to confront the alleged cause, a bullying teacher. But nothing is straight forward. Different viewpoints intervene to tell the story anew. Homophobia, intolerance, family dysfunction, rumour-mongering are all factors, but are not the kernel of the truth. That lies elsewhere and is revealed only gradually, with humanity and hope. This is the last film to be scored by the late composer Ryuichi Sakamoto.

Best Screenplay, Cannes Film Festival 2023 Preview courtesy of Picturehouse Entertainment The screening on Monday 4 in Hereford is sponsored by CLAIRE & SIMON SCOTT The screening on Thursday 7 in Ludlow is sponsored by THE MARCHES POTTERY