Netflix has steadily been building a library of titles adapted from young adult literature. April saw the release of the fantasy juggernaut series Shadow and Bone based on the Grishaverse books by Leigh Bardugo. May, however, will be setting a different tone with the premiere of Monster, a drama adapted from legendary author Walter Dean Myer's work.
The movie, which debuted at Sundance in 2018, follows the life of Steve Harmon (Kelvin Harrison Jr.), an aspiring filmmaker. Steve has the kind of creative mind that sees a story hidden in every gesture and movement. As such, he spends much of his time capturing the world around him.
When he's not filming the city and the people of Harlem, he's attending school. The 17-year-old is on track to graduate from an elite high school with his future bright and his next journey at the tip of his fingers. However, a choice Steve makes throws that all into question and then yanks it from him.
Locked behind bars, the teen awaits trial. His life and his decisions are laid bare before the court, the jury, and his parents.
It's simple, even easy, to cast one's life in the shadow of one biggest mistake. Monster begs the question of whether someone's life should be defined by one moment in time or whether the whole of it should be factored into how they are seen.
What time can you watch Monster on Netflix?
Monster will make its Netflix debut on Friday, May 7 at 12:01 a.m. PST. The film is over 90 minutes in length.
Viewers can expect to see Jennifer Hudson and Jeffrey Wright in the role of Steve's parents, two people whose world view is turned upside down by the events that lead to their son's imprisonment.
Asap Rocky (billed as Rakim Mayers) and Lovie Simone also start in the film.
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