Closet Monster

Connor Jessup of TV’s Falling Skies gives a stirring performance as Oscar Madly in this daring coming-of-age film. As a young boy, Oscar witnesses a horrible homophobic crime that stays with him even to this day. Oscar is also still reeling from the scars of his mother deserting him and his father. Now a teenager planning to leave his hometown for NYC to pursue his dreams as a makeup artist, Oscar must juggle his self-destructive homophobic father, his friendship with childhood friend Gemma, and his own burgeoning sexuality. Luckily he has his trusty hamster, Buffy (voiced by Isabella Rossellini), as his spirit animal. At times fantastical while also being incredibly bold, CLOSET MONSTER is one of those rare films that truly brings the audience into a character’s life, and there is no letting up. Directed with style and performed with grace, CLOSET MONSTER is a beautiful example of what can happen when what’s hidden needs to escape. –T.W.