Sketch
Sketch
When a young girl's sketchbook falls into a strange pond, her drawings come to life-chaotic, real and on the loose. As the town descends into chaos, her family must reunite and stop the monsters they never meant to unleash.
Hipster ZOMBIE reviewed3d ago
Angel Studios has pulled off something truly magical with Sketch, a film that’s equal parts heart, humor, and hand-drawn wonder. In an era where most “family films” feel like they’re just throwing candy at kids and hoping for the best or trying to force them to face the harshness of reality too soon, Sketch dares to tell a fantastical story without talking down to its audience. The result? A movie that resonates with children and adults on entirely different, yet equally powerful, levels.
At its core, Sketch is the perfect summer family film—bright, spirited, and endlessly imaginative—but it never shies away from deeper emotional tones. The story follows a young girl who discovers that the creatures she doodles in her worn, spiral-bound notebook can leap into reality. But instead of just being a colorful gimmick, the film uses this premise to explore creativity, courage, and the bittersweet stages of loss. The way it handles grief is remarkably sincere—neither sugarcoated nor crushing—offering moments that are genuinely touching without feeling manipulative. Parents may find themselves reaching for tissues while their kids sit wide-eyed in wonder.
The monster designs are an absolute triumph. They look as if they’ve literally leapt off a child’s notebook page, with every uneven crayon stroke, scribbled outline, and slightly mismatched color choice preserved. The effect is delightfully raw—these aren’t slick, studio-polished beasts; they carry the charm and personality of their young creator’s imagination. And when these creatures move, there’s an otherworldly bounce to them, as though they’re still half-made of paper and ink. It’s a style choice that’s not only visually stunning but also thematically perfect.
The cast, too, is effortlessly likeable. The young lead radiates sincerity, balancing the excitement of discovery with moments of vulnerability that hit hard. The adult supporting characters feel grounded, each bringing a sense of warmth and authenticity that keeps the fantastical story rooted in something real.
By the time the credits roll, Sketch leaves you with the same feeling as flipping back through an old childhood notebook—you remember the joy, the colors, and the way even your wildest ideas felt possible. It’s a rare feat: a movie that’s both a dazzling spectacle and an emotional hug, proving once again that the best family films respect their audience, no matter their age.
Angel Studios didn’t just make another kids’ movie—they made a modern classic.
If I were to sum it up in one line: Sketch is the kind of film you’ll want to watch with your kids, your parents, and maybe even your childhood self.