Sketch is a film that deserved more coming out of this year’s TIFF. A fantastical story that at its heart is all about dealing with grief, Sketch is a family film yes, but not one that’s afraid to put its protagonists in a little peril along the way.
After the unexpected passing of the family matriarch, the Wyatts have all been struggling. Father Taylor (Tony Hale) has removed all sight of his late wife around the house in a futile attempt to numb himself. Jack (Kue Lawrence), has buried his feelings down deep too. But Amber (Bianca Belle) is struggling. Lashing out through drawings depicting monsters doing dastardly things, Amber is drowning in grief and looking for a lifeline. But when Jack stumbles upon a pond in the middle of the forest that magically can restore broken items, he attempts to enact a misguided plan. Instead, Amber’s notebook falls into the lake, resulting in the release of the creatures within.
A sort of mashup of Jumanji meets Harold and the Purple Crayon, with serious subject matter at its core, Sketch is a delightful romp that also packs a wallop of pathos. I love how the monsters are actually just realised versions of a 10 year old’s drawings and not fully developed, exploding into chalk upon their demise. But the real strength here comes from the performances of the family with Hale, Lawrence, and Belle delivering here, as well as an excellent supporting turn from D’Arcy Carden.
- Rated: NR
- Genre: Action Adventure, Family, Monster
- Release Date: 9/7/2024
- Directed by: Seth Worley
- Starring: Bianca Belle, D'Arcy Carden, Kalon Cox, Kue Lawrence, Tony Hale
- Produced by: Dusty Brown, Steve Taylor, Tony Hale
- Written by: Seth Worley
- Studio: Morphan Time LLC
