Monster (2023): When the Truth Is Not in the Telling but in the Seeing
Not every silence is empty. Some are filled with things too heavy for words.

When elite-level chef Eloise Vaughn receives a scathing review from famed critic Alistair Brown, she invites him back for a private dinner service aimed at redeeming her name. Alistair accepts, and as the service commences, the pair's shared history is revealed, as are the extreme lengths Eloise is willing to go to impress him.
Not every silence is empty. Some are filled with things too heavy for words.
The more we learned with each passing minute the bigger the reveal. This film ends with a serious bang and it was truly a joy to watch.
The plot could’ve really been interesting if the elements of lycanthropy was integrated with perhaps the struggle of identity of being LGBTQ+. It's an experience for so many that as they’re starting to realizing their true selves, they feel like a monster, especially if they come from unsupportive homes or communities. Instead, the horror and transformation elements seem thrown in without contemplation of how this could deepen the narrative.
The most impressive aspect of this film is the honest and natural performances given by the on-screen duo.
Shakti’ is a survival guide for women all over the world.
CODA' is about a child of deaf adults torn between staying with her parents and her dreams of pursuing music. This film is a step forward for deaf representation and disability in movies despite negative messages about the burden of actors deaf deafness.