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Closet Monster is a 2015 Canadian film directed by Stephen Dunn, which tells the story of a young man named Oscar Madly, who is struggling to come to terms with his sexuality, while dealing with the traumatic events that he experienced as a child. The movie begins with Oscar as a child, witnessing his parents' brutal separation, which leaves him emotionally scarred. To cope with the feeling of despair that grips him, he takes solace in creating elaborate, imaginary fairy tales involving his pet hamster named Buffy, and his only friend Wilder.

As Oscar grows up, he finds that he is attracted to his best friend, Wilder. However, in a small, conservative community, being gay is frowned upon, and Oscar finds himself constantly at odds with his father, who believes that he should be 'normal'. His father's constant berating leaves Oscar feeling trapped and isolated with his thoughts, unable to express himself to anyone without fear of judgment.

The only person Oscar can confide in is his boss and mentor, Buffy, who works at a hardware store, and who encourages Oscar to apply for a visual arts course. She challenges Oscar to confront his fears and explore his sexuality, ultimately leading him to discover who he is and what he wants from life.

Throughout the film, Oscar is haunted by traumatic memories, particularly those involving his abusive father, which cause him to retreat into his fantasies. As he gains more confidence and becomes more comfortable with his sexual identity, he begins to face his demons head-on.

Closet Monster uses a range of techniques to explore its central themes, from quirky, surrealistic visuals to poignant, well-crafted dialogue. The cinematography is particularly impressive, with vibrant, dreamlike visuals that capture the mood and tone of the story perfectly.

Ultimately, the film is a coming-of-age story that explores the complex, multifaceted issues facing gay youth in the modern era. It deals with issues such as homophobia, sexual identity, and self-acceptance in a refreshingly honest and emotionally nuanced way, showing the many triumphs and tragedies that can come with discovering and living as one's true self.

The lead performance by Aaron Abrams is particularly noteworthy, with his portrayal of Oscar being both vulnerable and fiercely determined. This is complemented by the strong supporting performances of Jack Fulton as young Oscar and Joanne Kelly as Buffy, adding a depth and complexity to the movie that elevates it above many other coming-of-age tales.

In conclusion, Closet Monster is a moving and thought-provoking film that deals with the struggles that many gay teens face in their journey to self-acceptance. It approaches these issues with sensitivity and care, offering a relatable and, ultimately, hopeful portrayal of the path to self-discovery. For those who enjoy character-driven dramas that delve deep into the complexities of the human experience, this movie is a must-see.

Closet Monster is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 81.