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Monster is a gripping drama film from 2018 that follows the story of Steve Harmon (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), a talented aspiring filmmaker and high school student who gets caught up in a devastating situation. Steve finds himself facing serious criminal charges after being accused of involvement in a deadly robbery that took place at a convenience store in Harlem. He is taken into custody by the police and thrown into jail, where he has to navigate the harsh realities of life behind bars.

The film takes on a non-linear narrative structure, weaving together past and present events in Steve's life as he reflects on how he got to where he is now. Through flashbacks, we see Steve's love for filmmaking and his close relationship with his father (played by Jeffrey Wright), who encourages him to pursue his passion.

However, as the trial approaches, Steve's life starts to unravel. He is surrounded by violence and fear in jail and also faces the harsh reality of racism and prejudice as he navigates the legal system. The film also touches on the impact of social media and the media's portrayal of the case, which only adds to the pressure and scrutiny that Steve faces.

The film is helmed by an impressive cast, including A$AP Rocky as Steve's drug-dealing friend King, John David Washington as Steve's defense attorney, and Jennifer Ehle as the prosecutor. Kelvin Harrison Jr. delivers a standout performance as Steve, depicting his vulnerability, fear, and resilience in the face of tremendous adversity.

Monster skillfully blends the legal drama with a coming-of-age story, exploring themes of justice, identity, and the cost of pursuing one's dreams. The film is visually striking, with beautiful cinematography that captures the nuances of the story and the setting of urban New York City.

Throughout the film, the audience is left to grapple with questions of guilt and innocence, and whether or not Steve deserves the punishment he faces. The film is a powerful commentary on the challenges faced by young Black men, particularly within the American legal system, and the ways in which they are often unfairly judged and stereotyped.

In the end, Monster is a thought-provoking and affecting film that tells a compelling story with nuance and empathy. It's a testament to the power of cinema to shed light on the complexities of the human experience and the wider societal issues that shape it.

Monster is a 2021 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 56.