3.5 out of 5 stars
Over the years, numerous films have capitalised on the subject of caring for children with developmental challenges. Then as we move into this device-driven era, the narrative is influenced by the impact of screentime. Eventually, combining these two premises would only make sense to deliver one of the most unique offerings before the Halloween season.
Under the muted filters and subdued lighting, we are introduced to Oliver (Azhy Robertson), a 10-year-old boy diagnosed with non-verbal autism. He manages to communicate with people and connect with society through his mobile. Even though he is unaware, Oliver’s parents have a strained relationship partly because of his condition. Sarah (Gillian Jacobs) and Marty (John Gallagher Jr) have had marital struggles that began before Oliver’s diagnosis, including our modern times' financial strain.
One night while Oliver is getting ready for bed he discovers an app called ‘Misunderstood Monsters’ that tells the story of Larry. He is a lonely creature who just wants a friend. As the fascinated tween interacts with the app, he unknowingly allows Larry to enter this dimension. Which leads to the problem of this horrific beast not wanting to leave Oliver alone until he can take his ‘new friend’ back into the supernatural realm left behind. Opening the door to a parent’s worst nightmare and where they must work to save their son by helping him to break free from Larry’s control.
As the writer and director, Jacob Chase shows how Oliver’s parents cope with his diagnosis differently. Sarah is very protective and keeps other kids from being her son's friends as a means of protection. She cannot cope with Oliver’s lack of eye contact and attends speech therapy sessions with him to help encourage him to talk - to no avail. Marty, who clearly enjoys playing with Oliver, but has limited patience for his autism and would instead do extra shifts as a car park attendant than be at home.
With allusions to The Shining's Danny, Azhy Robertson delivers a compelling performance as a young sufferer of non-verbal autism. The young actor convincingly captures the looks and mannerisms of his character. At the same time, he portrays Oliver's shy timidness that makes the viewer want to protect him.
The level of tension in this non-traditional horror is constant because of Larry’s persistence. Chase manages to introduce an ingenious villainous element named Larry. He is not the kind of friend anyone would want. Rather than being a lonely creature looking for a friend to protect, he actually taunts, torments and injures those around the person that he fixates upon. This is delivered with long takes and Maxime Alexandre’s clever cinematography to leave the audience sitting on the edge of its seat. Which leads to a bold and surprising ending that provides a significant bittersweetness to it. Leading every parent to think twice about simply handing a phone or tablet as a digital babysitter to occupy their young kids’ time. You will never look at these devices in the same way ever again.
Reel Dialogue: Is the internet immoral?
One thing that needs to be addressed theologically is the morality of the internet. Like money, the internet and social media are amoral elements used for good or evil. People can rail against the evils of these web-based items that have infiltrated modern life. Still, the root problem is not the tools themselves, but the users.
The warnings do not need to be about these tools as much as in how they are used. Society has to come to terms with the fact that no one is indeed anonymous in the world. Every keystroke and swipe has its consequences. There needs to be accountability for each action, either in this life or in the next. Also, the evil seen on the internet comes from within the hearts of those using it. To deal with the problem, people need to turn their phones, computers and cameras on themselves and reflect.
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
