MARTHA THE MONSTER

Martha the Monster is a heartfelt story about accepting yourself. Directed by Christopher Weekes and produced by Jamie Hilton and Michael Pontin, this story has remarkable visual effects and costuming, which create a world that’s easy to get lost in. Weekes’ world is one where humans and monsters lives among one another, but they are not equal in social status. Monsters are treated disproportionately and the audience experiences this unfair treatment through Martha, a young monster who is followed through a day in her life.

Martha begins with her routine, a job as a character on a television show and an act at a comedy club. We see Martha rehearse and watch her show on television before entering a cruel world that does not treat her fairly. Martha gets discriminated against at work and in her personal life. She takes insults until she meets another monster named Charlie who shows her what it’s like to embrace being a monster. However, a negative interaction with Charlie unleashes a wildness in Martha which is untamed. Martha has to learn to cope with this new side of herself and embrace the monster inside.

The film is expertly produced, using puppets to stand in for monsters in this world, and is the “Short of the Week” on shortoftheweek.com. Weekes art direction and character design are expertly crafted, showing the beauty and originality of this world through small touches that only enhance the audience’s viewing experience. You immediately fall for the tone of the film because the characters are so charming and the pacing of the film is great. The storytelling is cogent and makes sense with great editing. Weekes has created a piece about accepting yourself, which can be universally understood, felt, and translated across barriers of identity. The film is poetic and lyrical but holds immense meaning. We hope you watch and enjoy.