As someone who’s spent countless hours immersed in the whimsical worlds of Spielberg, Dante, and Pixar, I can confidently say that Seth Worley’s debut feature, Sketch, is a visual feast for the eyes. It’s like a sugar-coated, monster-filled rollercoaster ride through family therapy sessions!
If you were to mix the wide-eyed wonder of Steven Spielberg, the mischievous playfulness of Joe Dante, and the vivid visuals of Pixar at their best in a blender like the Magic Bullet, the resulting drink might bear a striking resemblance to Sketch, an audacious and unconventional debut film by Seth Worley.
Despite the fact that this tween story might not be particularly unique, it makes up for its borrowed elements by offering a vibrant, live-action adventure akin to eating Skittles – an energetic burst of color. The unusual family therapy aspect is presented as a scenario where a 10-year-old girl’s grief transforms her distressing drawings into living entities.
As a passionate admirer, I can’t help but share my excitement about working alongside an energetic cast and a skilled visual effects team. Previously, my directorial ventures have been predominantly in the realm of corporate-branded videos. However, with this project, Worley, who is known for his VFX prowess, has crafted an irresistible spectacle that appeals to audiences of all ages. This captivating creation is poised to secure distribution, following its successful premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
Struggling to find his footing in life following his wife’s passing, bumbling but caring father Taylor Wyatt, played fittingly by Tony Hale, along with his children Amber (Bianca Belle) and Jack (Kue Lawrence), all adopt distinct strategies for dealing with their grief.
In contrast to the males in the family, who typically suppress their hidden sorrow, Amber openly expresses her feelings through artwork. Her drawings often depict monsters wreaking vengeance on an irritating schoolmate, which can startle her teachers. However, she receives support from a therapist who provides her with a composition book to help channel her anger in a constructive manner.
At the same time, quieter-natured Jack, discovering a peculiar pond hidden within the woods that possesses the power to mend broken items, ponders about the potential impact of its healing properties on his mother’s dispersed remains.
As he’s on the verge of putting his theory into action, unexpectedly Amber’s sketchbook slips into murky waters. Swifter than you can utter “Babadook”, her dark and disturbing drawings spring to life, causing chaos and destruction wherever they go.
Amber, Jack, and Kalon Cox, who initially stirred up trouble for Amber, now work together to defend against their enemies. Meanwhile, Dad, unaware of the danger, is solely focused on tidying up since D’Arcy Carden, his realtor sister, manages the listing for their home.
Initially, Worley stated that the concept of Sketch was likened to a blend of “Inside Out” and “Jurassic Park“, yet it’s hard not to spot influences from other films such as “The Goonies“, “Gremlins“, “Goosebumps“, “Stranger Things“, and “Where the Wild Things Are” interwoven throughout for added appeal.
With great skill, Worley managed to transform what could have been a significant flaw into an entertaining overall piece. This was achieved through a charming cast and a highly capable technical crew.
He toned down his quirky characters from “Arrested Development” and “Veep” to portray the role of an ordinary father, struggling to find the best path for his troubled family. He’s the beacon of tranquility amidst a whirlpool of disorder.
The mayhem in this production has been skillfully designed to reach peak audacity, with Dan Sturm’s tactfully added CGI playing a significant role. This digital magic doesn’t hold back on the impressive visuals and is even more intensified by Cody Fry’s chaotic, energetic music score.
While it’s true that the dialogue between the characters might have benefited from a touch more restraint, and there’s an overreliance on the “dead mom” trope in Worley’s portrayal, the overall impact remains quite powerful. In other words, despite these observations, the film delivers a strong and uplifting message.
Grief has never been processed with such eye-popping panache.
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2024-09-10 00:54