Hirokazu Kore-eda (Shoplifters, Broker) returns with an exquisitely layered conundrum that is a both coming-of-age film and thriller – who or what is the monster of the title? Saori becomes aware her eleven-year-old son Minato is behaving strangely and goes to his school to confront the alleged cause, a bullying teacher. But nothing is straightforward. Different viewpoints intervene to tell the story anew. Homophobia, intolerance, family dysfunction, rumour-mongering are all factors, but are not the kernel of the truth.…