Sketch

In a year where most family films boil down to sequels, spin-offs, or remakes, Sketch was a much-needed breath of fresh air. I had the distinct honor of attending an early screening before its theatrical release, and upon second viewing, little has changed from my initial reaction.

Perhaps one of Sketch’s strongest aspects is its cast. While it isn’t the first movie to have these types of characters, nearly every actor plays their parts to perfection. The standout star is easily Bianca Belle as Amber, a creative yet macabre little girl who owns every scene she’s in. Tony Hale and Kue Lawrence also excel as Taylor and Jack, with all three coming together to form an engaging and believable family dynamic. Kalon Cox is just the right amount of obnoxious for a B-hole like Bowman Lynch, supplying plenty of laughs and frustration. D’Arcy Carden is also good as Taylor’s sister, but her character regrettably gets lost in the shuffle.

Another strength of Sketch is its effective utilization of horror elements in a family-friendly setting. The suspense you feel each time a new sketchbook monster appears is effective while still leaving some room for humor. The animation and textures on the monsters really sell you on the idea that they come from a child’s drawings. While some of it may be a little intense for younger viewers, I’m personally a fan of movies that aren’t afraid to nudge kids out of their comfort zones. The screenplay makes exquisite use of foreshadowing and delivers emotional beats that feel natural. Above all, the movie’s themes of grief and personal acceptance are its most commendable components. With a similar weight and maturity to that of Disney’s Lilo & Stitch (2002), I’m confident that everyone can relate, or at least connect, to them in some manner, no matter how young or old.

Knowing how long Sketch was in development, I’m happy to say that Seth Worley and the creative team’s efforts were not in vain. Watch it if you haven’t already, and be prepared for something truly unforgettable.