Monster

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Monster
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Monster (aka Arracht) is an Irish drama set in the 1840s with infrequent but bloody violence. The dialogue is mainly Irish Gaelic, with some scenes in English. The story follows the struggle of a small coastal community, in particular Coleman (Donall O Healai), a fisherman who increasingly struggles to care for those around him. Coleman sets a good example throughout. His endurance and courage give the movie its main positive role model and positive message in a film lacking with both. The violence is bloody and fatal in some cases, with characters shot and stabbed. One character is suffocated to death. Swearing is occasional, but there are some uses of "s--t" and "bastard." There are disputes about money driven by greed, and rich characters are shown living in luxurious surroundings compared to the poverty and hardship of the main characters. Drinking and smoking both feature occasionally, in moderation by adults in social settings.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
MONSTER tells the story of Irish family man trying to survive a grueling period in the country's history.
Is It Any Good?
A slight story kept afloat by its performances, this Irish drama does its best to summon the power of the elements to show us how cruel both nature and people can be. Monster (originally titled Arracht) touches upon a bleak period in Irish history. The film starts with the British implementing a sharp increase to the land rates, leading to harsh times for Donall O Healai's Coleman, an even-handed but strong-willed fisherman. Complicating matters is the ensuing potato famine and Dara Devaney's short-tempered Patsy, whose refusal to be humiliated by colonial forces creates more tension.
After an eventful setup the movie settles into a more subdued mood, with Coleman's isolation limiting the story. His eventual double-act with the tempestuous young Kitty (Saise Ni Chuinn) also feels familiar, causing the plot to lag while we wait for the inevitable to catch up with Coleman, his family, and friends. Despite its pacing and plotting dragging at times, Monster does a good job of capturing both the expanse and the smallness of its characters' world. It might lack the dramatic punch of Hunger, which captures another fraught period in Irish history, but writer-director Tom Sullivan excels at treating his audience and his characters with respect.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Monster. How did it make you feel? Was it exciting? Shocking? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
How did Coleman deal with his and his community's financial struggles? What character strengths did he show that others lacked? Why are these important traits to have?
Discuss the period in which the movie is set. What did you learn about Ireland's history and its past under British colonial rule?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: September 14, 2021
- Cast: Dónall Ó Héalai, Saise Ní Chuinn, Dara Devaney
- Director: Tom Sullivan
- Studio: Break Out Pictures
- Genre: Drama
- Run time: 90 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: August 1, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love stories set in Ireland
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate