🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Anthony Mandler
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Release year: 2021
- Runtime (length): 1h 38min
- IMDb rating: 6.5/10 (18K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 60%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A smart film student tries to prove he’s not a ‘monster’ after a robbery goes wrong, all while wondering if his life is just a really depressing documentary.
🍿 Monster: Detailed Plot Synopsis
A Promising Life Interrupted
Steve Harmon, a bright and articulate 17-year-old film student from Harlem, leads a seemingly normal life, focused on his studies and artistic passions. His world, however, is dramatically upended when he is suddenly charged as an accomplice in a fatal bodega robbery that resulted in murder. This unexpected arrest thrusts him into a bewildering and intimidating legal system.

Navigating the Legal Labyrinth
As Steve faces trial, the film documents his harrowing journey through the complex legal battle. The narrative primarily unfolds within the confines of the courtroom, interweaving present-day proceedings with flashbacks. These glimpses into his past provide context for his relationships and the events leading up to the crime, as he struggles to comprehend how his life took such a dark turn.

Questioning Innocence and Perception
Steve’s defense attorney, Maureen O’Brien, works tirelessly to prove his innocence, while the prosecution, led by Anthony Petrocelli, seeks to portray him as a “monster.” The film explores themes of perception, identity, and the systemic challenges faced by young Black men in the American justice system. Steve grapples not only with the legal ramifications but also with how he views himself in the mirror of societal judgment.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Steve Harmon (Kelvin Harrison Jr.): A smart, 17-year-old honors student and aspiring filmmaker whose life is dramatically altered when he is charged with felony murder.
- Maureen O’Brien (Jennifer Ehle): Steve’s empathetic and dedicated defense attorney who fights to prove his innocence in court.
- Anthony Petrocelli (Paul Ben-Victor): The determined prosecuting attorney who attempts to portray Steve Harmon as a monster to the jury.
- James King (A$AP Rocky): A co-defendant accused of the robbery and murder, who allegedly pulled Steve into the crime.
- Richard ‘Bobo’ Evans (John David Washington): Another co-defendant and witness who testifies against Steve and King in exchange for a plea deal.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Anthony Petrocelli: “You are looking at a monster, pure and simple.” – The prosecutor delivers this powerful statement to the jury, branding Steve Harmon as a monster and setting the tone for the dehumanization Steve faces during his trial.
- Steve Harmon: “I’m a monster?” – Steve questions his own identity and worth, deeply affected by the prosecutor’s label and the court’s perception of him as a hardened criminal.
- Maureen O’Brien: “The law says he is innocent until proven guilty.” – Steve’s defense attorney reiterates this fundamental principle of justice, fighting against the prejudice and circumstantial evidence stacking against him.
- Steve Harmon: “No one has any idea who I am.” – Steve reflects on his isolation and the struggle to maintain his sense of self and identity amidst a legal system that seems to already have him judged.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $2 million
- Domestic Gross: $7,639
- Worldwide Gross: $7,639
💥 Monster Reviews
Personal Review
Wow, ‘Monster’ really got to me. I was on the edge of my seat throughout Steve’s trial, feeling every bit of his fear and confusion. Kelvin Harrison Jr. is phenomenal; I truly felt like I was watching this kid’s world crumble around him, just for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The way they used the filmmaking aspect was so clever, making you question perception and reality alongside Steve himself. There were moments that gave me chills, especially seeing how quickly the system can label someone a ‘monster’ based on assumptions. It really makes you think about innocence, guilt, and the biases we all carry. The ending left me with a lot to ponder, which is exactly what I love in a drama. Definitely a must-watch if you’re into powerful, thought-provoking stories.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of thought-provoking legal dramas and courtroom thrillers.”
- “Viewers interested in social commentary on race, class, and the justice system.”
- “Audiences who appreciate character-driven stories exploring identity and moral ambiguity.”
- “Readers who enjoyed Walter Dean Myers’ novel and similar coming-of-age narratives.”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Mature themes: crime, murder, legal proceedings, incarceration.”
- “Depictions of racial prejudice and systemic injustice.”
- “Emotional intensity and potentially disturbing situations.”
- “Mild coarse language (implied by 15 certificate).”
Professional Reviews
- Official: “Monster is a powerfully understated legal drama, anchored by Kelvin Harrison Jr.’s captivating performance as Steve Harmon. The film’s unique narrative structure, filtered through Steve’s filmmaking lens, offers a compelling perspective on a familiar tale. It’s a gripping exploration of identity, perception, and the brutal realities of the justice system, leaving a lingering, thought-provoking impact.
- Official: “Anthony Mandler’s ‘Monster’ delivers a tense courtroom experience, brilliantly highlighting the systemic biases faced by young Black men. While the performances, particularly from Harrison Jr. and Jennifer Ehle, are exceptional, some narrative choices regarding secondary characters feel underdeveloped. Despite minor pacing issues, the film’s unflinching look at innocence and complicity resonates deeply, making it a vital watch.
Audience Reactions
Viewers were deeply moved by Steve’s emotional journey and the palpable tension of the courtroom scenes.: The film’s strongest points are consistently cited as Kelvin Harrison Jr.’s raw and compelling performance, the immersive cinematography, and its poignant exploration of racial injustice within the legal system.
Many appreciated the film’s unique narrative perspective, told through Steve’s lens as an aspiring filmmaker.: Audiences frequently praised the entire ensemble cast for their authentic portrayals and the movie’s ability to spark important conversations about perception, responsibility, and systemic bias.
Overall Consensus: Monster is a gripping and emotionally resonant legal drama, lauded for its powerful performances, unique narrative style, and its unflinching examination of racial prejudice and the complexities of the justice system.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Michael Imperioli was originally cast as the prosecutor Anthony Petrocelli, but due to scheduling conflicts, Paul Ben-Victor replaced him.”
- “The film is an adaptation of the acclaimed 1999 young adult novel ‘Monster’ by Walter Dean Myers, which won the first Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in young adult literature.”
🖥️ How to Watch Monster?
The film “Monster” is an official Netflix movie, primarily available for streaming on the Netflix platform. For other digital access, you can typically find it available for rent or purchase on demand through various services such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube, providing flexible viewing options.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Monster, you might like these similar films:
- The Night Of (2016): This HBO limited series shares a very similar premise: a young man of color finds himself embroiled in a murder case, navigating the complex and often prejudiced criminal justice system.
- When They See Us (2019): A powerful miniseries based on the true story of the Central Park Five, it deeply explores racial injustice, wrongful conviction, and the devastating impact of the legal system on young Black men.
- Just Mercy (2019): This legal drama focuses on a defense attorney’s fight to exonerate a wrongly convicted man on death row, highlighting systemic racism and the pursuit of justice for the marginalized.
- Boyz n the Hood (1991): A classic coming-of-age drama set in South Central Los Angeles, it explores the societal pressures, violence, and difficult choices faced by young Black men, resonating with Steve Harmon’s urban upbringing.
- Fruitvale Station (2013): Based on the true story of Oscar Grant, this film portrays a day in the life of a young Black man that tragically ends due to police brutality, offering a poignant look at racial injustice and its devastating consequences.
🛒 Monster Related Products
- Monster by Walter Dean Myers (Paperback): The award-winning novel that inspired the film, offering a deeper dive into Steve Harmon’s internal struggles and his fight for innocence. Essential reading for fans of the movie.
- Legal Drama Movie Poster: ‘Monster’ (Film Art Print): High-quality print of the official ‘Monster’ movie poster, featuring evocative imagery that captures the film’s intense atmosphere. Perfect for cinephiles.
- The American Legal System: A Citizen’s Guide (eBook): An accessible guide to understanding the intricacies of the U.S. justice system, shedding light on concepts like presumption of innocence, trials, and appeals.
- Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel (Netflix Original Docuseries): A compelling docuseries exploring true crime cases, offering a look into real-world investigations and the complexities of justice, similar to the film’s exploration of evidence and doubt.
🎧 Soundtrack
Monster features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
No, “Monster” is not based on a true story. It is an adaptation of the acclaimed 1999 young adult novel of the same name by Walter Dean Myers. The novel explores themes of justice, perception, and identity within the criminal justice system.
“Monster” is an official Netflix film and is primarily available for streaming on Netflix. You may also find it available for rent or purchase on other digital platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube.
The main message of “Monster” revolves around themes of identity, perception, and the systemic injustices faced by young Black men in the American legal system. It explores how quickly society can label someone as a “monster” based on circumstances and appearances, questioning the true nature of innocence and guilt.
The film features a talented ensemble cast. Kelvin Harrison Jr. stars as Steve Harmon. Other notable actors include Jennifer Ehle as Maureen O’Brien (defense attorney), Paul Ben-Victor as Anthony Petrocelli (prosecutor), Jeffrey Wright and Jennifer Hudson as Steve’s parents, and A$AP Rocky (as Rakim Mayers) and John David Washington as other key characters involved in the case.
(SPOILER AHEAD) Legally, Steve Harmon is found “not guilty” by the jury. However, the film intentionally maintains ambiguity regarding his exact level of involvement and his internal sense of complicity, prompting viewers to consider the nuances of his situation rather than a simple black-and-white answer.
🔥 Bonus Content
Monster – Movie Review & Spoiler Analysis
Ever wonder what’s *really* going on in ‘Monster’ after you’ve watched it? This spoiler analysis is perfect for unpacking all the complex themes and plot points – I personally think it really helps tie everything together!
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