We Are Monster

Based on real events this film starts out with Robert Stewart being discovered in his cell after he has murdered his cell mate Zahid Mubarek . The film then traces the events that led up to this murder. In doing so it appears to have drawn heavily on the findings of the inquiry into the events at Feltham Young Offender Institute during the year 2000.

Stewart is played by Leeshon Alexander who also wrote this and he puts in a very commendable performance. The back story includes unvarnished criticisms of the Prison Service too and an attempt to understand why he did this terrible and unprovoked act.

In terms of presentation this is a very 'staged' performance with few locations and obvious sets, but this is done for artistic impact and I felt actually worked really well. This is not an easy watch though as the material being covered is one that is alien to most people; it is though a very worthwhile piece of movie making that will appeal to those who like real life dramas and don't mind starting with the ending – especially one that is essentially an unhappy one.