SKETCH (2025)
Sketch is a 2024 American fantasy comedy film directed by Seth Worley. The film stars Tony Hale and D’Arcy Carden and is produced by popular Christian music artist Steve Taylor. It was released in theaters on August 6, 2025, and received positive reviews from critics.
This film comes from what I refer to as the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde film company, Angel Films. Some of their movies have been surprisingly bad, while others have been unexpectedly good. Fortunately, Sketch falls into the enjoyable category of being refreshingly good.
The children truly carry the movie, although there are some commendable adult performances as well. The special effects and storyline hold up quite well, centering around a young widowed father raising his two small children and the struggles they face. His daughter is dealing with serious psychotic issues, and while the film addresses these themes, in my opinion, it does so relatively lightly. She draws horrific sketches that depict monsters and even murder.
I have some concerns about the content of the movie. It is marketed towards young children, yet it contains horrific themes involving murder and destruction. Although I am not one to be offended by language in films, I was surprised by the unnecessary and surprising language used by the children in this movie.
Despite these issues, the acting was strong, the story was well-told, and the special effects were surprisingly good. The themes explored are equally relevant for adults. The film touches on pain and the loss of loved ones, whether they be parents or spouses, illustrating how such loss can lead to horrific and lasting consequences. Sketch acknowledges the importance of seeking appropriate help, but I feel it could have delved deeper into these themes.
I also appreciate the power and importance the movie gives to children. I believe children possess a strong faith because of their innocence and belief, often more so than many adults. This is one of the reasons I think Jesus referenced children so frequently.
Overall, Sketch was a surprisingly enjoyable film. While it has some questionable flaws, it concluded strongly, eliciting genuine emotion without becoming overly sentimental. Angel Films is progressing towards more consistency, and Sketch demonstrates a willingness to be a little edgy; they just need to tread carefully in that direction. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate it a solid and enjoyable 7. However, parents may face some challenges regarding the content, especially for small children.
As a side note, they also have a good promotional app that is free to download.
