Directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda (Japan, 2023, 127 min.). Japanese with English subtitles.

Palm d’Or winner Hirokazu Kore-eda (Shoplifters, Broker) directs this unique mystery-thriller about the secret lives of children. When a young boy begins behaving strangely, his mother feels that there is something wrong. Discovering that a teacher is responsible, she storms into the school demanding to know what’s going on. But as the story unfolds through the eyes of mother, teacher, and child, a striking truth begins to emerge. Monster’s aching musical score was the final work by towering composer Riuichi Sakamoto before his death in 2023; the film is dedicated to Sakamoto’s memory.

Winner of the Queer Palm and Best Screenplay awards at the Cannes Film festival, and the British Independent Film Award for Best International Independent Film.

“Monster is one of the finest films of the year, and its structure—like its circle of characters—carries secrets that can only be unraveled through patience and empathy.” —New York Times

Watch the trailer.