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Lately, there has been a surge of movies focusing on the inner turmoil of young girls, exploring big emotions and monsters. “Inside Out 2” introduced Anxiety to the feelings crew, delving into adolescent social panic. “Imaginary” told a horror story of an imaginary friend turned vengeful, while Netflix’s “The Imaginary” centered on the personal growth of an imaginary friend created by a grieving little girl. Joining this crowded field is the inventive indie film “Sketch,” which offers its own unique and fascinating story.
Sketch Dazzles with Unique Design
Director Seth Worley’s debut film, “Sketch,” follows the Wyatt family as they navigate their grief following the loss of their mother. The film showcases a visually stunning world of imagination and emotion, crafted with a twist that is both captivating and wacky. The family must confront their pain head-on when magic brings Amber’s monster drawings to life, leading to a creative and emotional journey.
Forget traditional animation – “Sketch” brings to life Amber’s creatures as they are drawn, creating monsters made of scribbles with a hand-drawn feel. These unique designs, with googly eyes, glittery spews, and quirky features, offer a delightful mix of creepy and absurd that appeals to kids venturing into horror. The film’s playful score, vividly creepy world, and endearing child heroes add to its charm, reminiscent of “Goosebumps” with its whimsical yet eerie atmosphere.
Tony Hale and D’Arcy Carden Shine in Supporting Roles
Tony Hale, known for his comedic roles, delivers a stellar performance as Taylor, the widowed father trying to hold his family together. Hale’s portrayal balances humor with heartfelt moments, capturing the complexities of a devoted but struggling dad. Alongside him, D’Arcy Carden adds depth as the family’s supportive presence, enhancing the emotional core of the film.
“Sketch” not only dazzles with its distinctive design but also with its heartfelt performances and imaginative storytelling. As the Wyatt family faces their grief and battles creative manifestations of mourning, the film offers a blend of whimsy, emotion, and adventure that is sure to captivate audiences of all ages.
Liz: The Cool Aunt Vibes
Playing Taylor’s sister Liz, D’Arcy Carden, the Emmy-winning Janet of The Good Place, gives off major “cool aunt vibes” from the moment she swaggers onto scene, ready to throw her skills as a real estate agent toward helping this family move on (or at least move out of the family home). Alternatively dishing out tough love to her brother (wanted or not) and marveling over her niece’s dangerous creativity (“I love her brain!”), Liz provides a path forward for a family so lost in grief they’ve forgotten how to talk to each other. But as emotional as this movie can be — with maybe one too many stops in the action to discuss feelings — it is above all things funny and joyful.
A Vibrant Thread of Humor
Yes, there’s talk of death, and grief, and deadly monsters, and multiple scenes where children are fleeing for their lives. But laced throughout is a vibrant thread of humor that celebrates the messiness of family, being young, and being hurt, and it exists without mocking its characters. These wonderfully entertaining bits make up for a third act that gets a bit clunky. Comedy comes from the understandably exasperated look of a dad whose last nerve is fraying, from the little girl whose defiant backtalk is vexingly silly, from the squabbling of kids that is as frenzied as it can be outrageous.
The Message of the Movie
Worley doesn’t just keep things light to keep Sketch as appropriate for kids as it is for parents (something Krasinski did not manage). This tone, mixing horrific elements with delightful ones, underscores the very message of the movie: that life is both, and ignoring one won’t make it go away — quite the opposite, actually! In the end, Sketch is a fantastically fun and heartwarming movie with a slathering of weird that makes it a real treat. Sketch opens in theaters Aug. 6.
