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"SKETCH" is a remarkable family film that defies conventional categorization, weaving together elements of heartfelt drama, monster adventure, and psychological insight. Producer Steve Taylor recently shared the extraordinary eight-year journey that brought this unique story to theaters, revealing both the creative vision and perseverance required to bring original content to life in today's sequel-dominated cinema landscape.

The film centers on ten-year-old Amber, who is processing grief after losing her mother six months prior. When her therapist suggests drawing her feelings into a sketchbook, Amber creates a menagerie of monsters that unexpectedly come to life, terrorizing her family and forcing them to confront their emotional struggles head-on. Taylor aptly describes the film as "a cross between Inside Out and Jurassic Park," a characterization that perfectly captures its blend of emotional depth and thrilling adventure. What makes the film particularly special is how each monster is rendered differently based on the medium Amber used to draw them – from Sharpies to crayons to chalk – with each requiring different strategies to defeat based on their artistic properties.

Behind the scenes, the film faced numerous challenges that almost prevented it from reaching audiences. Writer-director Seth Worley initially shopped the script around Hollywood with different producers, but despite attaching "Arrested Development" and "Veep" star Tony Hale to the project, studios repeatedly passed. It wasn't until Taylor stepped in and proposed making the film independently that "Sketch" finally moved forward. The production leveraged Worley's expertise as a VFX artist to create the film's elaborate monster sequences, though this process proved more challenging than expected, stretching from an anticipated three months to over a year and a half to perfect. The result, however, speaks for itself – "Sketch" currently holds a rare 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

What truly distinguishes "Sketch" is its authentic approach to grief and emotional processing. Throughout the film, we see each family member coping differently with their loss, with Amber's creative outlet ultimately proving the most constructive. The film explores the central philosophy that while "you can't control your inbox, you can control your outbox" – a powerful message about managing emotions rather than suppressing them. Tony Hale delivers a surprisingly nuanced dramatic performance as Amber's father, bringing depth and vulnerability to a character navigating single parenthood without his wife's guidance. Hale reportedly advocated for emotional authenticity in his portrayal, rejecting easy comedic moments in favor of genuine reactions that ground the film despite its fantastical elements.

"Sketch" represents something increasingly rare in today's cinema landscape – an original, live-action family film not based on existing intellectual property. Taylor notes that we haven't seen such a successful original family film "since maybe Home Alone," highlighting both the creative achievement and the commercial risk the film represents. As audiences claim to want original content while box office numbers typically favor familiar franchises, "Sketch" stands as a test case for whether genuinely new stories can still break through in the theatrical marketplace. For families seeking entertainment that balances thrills with emotional substance, "Sketch" offers a unique cinematic experience that entertains while fostering important conversations about grief, creativity, and healing.

Another amazing movie brought to you by ANGEL STUDIOS
Hit theaters worldwide 8/6/25

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