CLOSET MONSTER tells the story of Oscar Madly, a creative and driven teenager who hovers on the brink of adulthood. Destabilized by his dysfunctional parents, unsure of his sexuality, and haunted by horrific images of a tragic gay bashing he witnessed as a child, Oscar dreams of escaping the town he feels is suffocating him. A talking hamster, imagination and the prospect of love help him confront his surreal demons and discover himself.
CLOSET MONSTER marks the debut feature film for Newfoundland writer/director Stephen Dunn. In his director’s statement Dunn explains
Perhaps it was my platonic love affair with the Spice Girls, or maybe my impeccably accurate Buffy the Vampire Slayer Halloween costume, but somehow it was blatantly obvious to the entire island of Newfoundland, even at six-years old, that I would grow up to be a fabulously gay young man. Obvious to everyone, that is, except me.
Canada | 2015 | 90 min | RATED 14A ( what does this rating mean? )
Directed by Stephen Dunn
Starring Connor Jessup, and the voice of Isabella Rossellini.
What makes Closet Monster transcend typical [coming out] narrative is its mix of dark whimsy, its beautifully crafted, slow-motion shots, and its ability to nod at, rather than ape, its references (most notably, Buffy the Vampire Slayer and David Cronenberg). — Tina Hassannia, National Post
Winner, TIFF Best Canadian Feature Film, 2015
Winner, Inside Out Toronto LBGTQ Film Festival 2016, Best Canadian Film or Video
