“Sketch” from Angel Studios is a clever and unique family adventure that I did not expect to dip into a variety of genres including horror. The main theme of the film centers around how we deal with loss and grief. In the film we see this from the perspective of a brother and sister who have lost their mother. As well as the perspective of a father and husband who has lost his wife. In “Sketch”, we see in a fantastical and sometimes frightening way what happens when we don’t deal with our grief to ourselves and those around us. The film is written and directed by Seth Worley.

ABOUT ‘SKETCH”

In the film we follow the story of Taylor Wyatt, played by Tony Hale, a widowed father that is struggling to raise hos two children after the loss of his wife. His daughter Amber, played by Bianca Belle, has found comfort and relief in drawing her darkest thoughts and emotions into a journal alarming those around her. Meanwhile, her brother Jack, finds a mysterious pond in the woods that seems to bring things magically back to life.

In the mix of Taylor trying to sell their house with the help of his sister Liz, played by D’Arcy Carden, Amber drawing horrible creatures, and Jack trying to figure out a way to bring his mother back, Amber’s notebook falls into the mysterious pond, releasing all of her horrific creatures into her town. Each of which are destructive in their own unique way. Now it up to the family and their school bully Bowman, played by Kalon Cox, to figure out a way to get rid of these terrifying drawings before its too late.

WHAT WORKS IN THE FILM

First and foremost the balance of genres works in “Sketch”. The film at times can feel like a heavy drama, then transitions nicely into an adventure-comedy, followed by a trip through some horror elements that caught me off guard but fit in the story very well. Allowing audiences to easier connect with the characters as they traverse through the story. This is accomplished by well established limited number of characters and very unique and creative use of the sketch monsters.

Speaking of the monsters in “Sketch”, the choice to keep their form to whatever kind of coloring method was used was brilliant. It allowed them not only stand out in the “real world”. It also helped those working on the special effects by not needing them to look too realistic. They needed to still look like the drawing on the pages of Amber’s notebook. In my opinion the creative team found a sweet spot where they still looked drawn, but also carried a some physical weight. In some cases they were designed in a way where they delivered some chilling moments. Especially the final one the family must defeat.

WHAT DOESN’T WORK IN “SKETCH”

I think my biggest complaint about “Sketch” is its initial pacing. While I listed it as a possible strength above, its also true that the film takes too long to get to what everyone is tuning in to see, the monsters. I feel like it could have gotten to the point faster without it being a detriment to character development. It has the potential to possibly boring some of its audiences. But once it picks up, its a much better film.

Something else I think could have been interesting to see is the monsters interacting a bit more with the town. This to add a little more tension and raise the stakes of the family’s goal to erase these monsters. We see it briefly with the school bus scene.

Sketch

OVERALL THOUGHTS

I think “Sketch” is a fantastic family film. It offer a little bit of everything within a theme that can resonate with any family while exploring different genres. Who knows, this small dose of horror could be a gateway film for some kids. Cause them to get a little brave and venture further into the genre. Not that its the intention of Angel Studios but here we are.

Angel Studios‘ “Sketch” opens in theaters August 6.

OVERALL GRADE: A-