Monster State

Absolutely incredible. Technically impeccable, and a story with immense heart. This deserves to win the whole competition and more.

Yeah this is the likely national winner this year. I'll write up a full detailed review when I get a spare moment. Amazing work.

A solid down-to-earth take on the Monster Genre reminiscent of Under the Bridge in its emotional depth.

A-grade across the board. Has to be one of this year's best. One of the hidden advantages of 48hours is its ability to make films that quickly reflect current events, and I'd be damned if this isn't a shining example of that.

Wow. WOw. WOW.
This is the work of some incredible film-makers. Not a single note that isn't perfect here.

Wasn't expecting the emotional depth from a 48hour film - which feels like a credit to the acting and script, but all of the decisions here are spot on. The set design, lighting, camera work, sound... all off the chart!

Gushing out of the way. If you are looking for something bizarre and different (which I sniff out like a fiend) this won't tickle that itch.

The strength of this film is in its emotional gut punch! Something that only the best film-makers in this comp can pull off - which this team clearly are!!!

I've seen a lot of reviews and commentaries online comparing 'Monster State' to 2017 grand national winner 'Under The Bridge' and whilst both tell important tales of social commentary via intimate companionship, this wonderful film from Tāmaki Makaurau does even more through glimpses of hope and the cascading crushing of dreams.

Trauma is brutal, trauma can be accidental, incidental, interwoven, systemic, generational or a combination of any mix of the above and is a topic that many teams have not dared present successfully in seeded films let alone the intense constraints of a 48 weekend. Sad Jackie delivered a masterclass in how to present an important underlying issue in New Zealand, one that has been shamefully handled for generations, punching the audience in the gut as the story unfolds.

So what does this film do so well? Well the performances for starters. We are presented with instantly likeable leads with a bubbly smiling mum and her cheerful son bonding over quintessential kiwi activities such as baking and blanket forts, calling to mind 2017 grand finalist 'The Intergalactic Space Cadets'. The pacing is perfect, the film breathes and lives via some excellent technical decisions that make the seemingly standard domestic setting a passing thought.

And then BANG. The trigger is pulled with an audio cue so pitch perfect that a high alert status is set. Sam Neill said it best when he said we as a country really present a "cinema of unease" and this in my humble opinion quickly joins the likes of Sleeping Dogs, Crush, In My Father's Den Et All within frames.

As an orator and strong Maori wahine, Renaye Tamati showcases rawness and emotion unlike many 48 performances I've ever seen. Her son is hearing the tale of a crown prince, but we know in our heart of hearts she is doing the mahi to help him be the prince that she wants him to be, that she needs him to be when he progresses from childhood innocence.

The blanket fort works not just a metaphorical wall of her surrounding aroha towards him, but to the dangers of the outside world. There's a lot of talk about the direction and performances here, but the script is picture perfect. The wording not to 'stray too far' is far too clever to me to mean anything other than stay true to your roots. It's powerful stuff.

I love the buildup here, the choice of shots it just incredible as we get wide coverage in the first half of the film, interspersed with subtle hints and cracks that not all is not well. There's a sense of shared space in the outside windows, but not in anything like a good way as shadows, grey clouds and hints of claustrophobia ramp up throughout the film.

And then the audio ramps up in some of the best sound design I've ever seen in the competition, leading to a beautiful but sad shot reverse shot dramatic interaction between mum and son as the doom approaches and desperation rears its ugly head...and yeah that did it for me good. Because when those walls come crumbling down, the silent screaming does not stop.

To the team, I apologise for making you wait for weeks for your proper review. I am amazed you did not win the grand final. Great work <3

This haunting, heartbreaking film delivered a real punch. Director Julie and the team of creatives that concocted this concept were clever with their manipulation of the audience’s expectations. The twist ending was a subversion that created meaning and introspection. Outstanding performances from the cast that sell the tragedy at the core of their idea. At the grand finals, the director, Julie spoke so eloquently and so beautifully. Her consideration and artistic intention created a powerful project. Well done.