Whimsical, Wild, and Wise: Seth Worley’s Sketch Is a Summer Hit for the Whole Family
In a cinematic landscape dominated by sequels and live-action remakes, it’s deeply refreshing to see imagination and originality thrive. Even more exciting is witnessing stories grounded in emotional truth—films that transcend division through redemptive storytelling and speak to our common humanity. When a movie successfully combines this originality and heart with humor, charm and universal appeal? That’s when we feel we are watching something special.
Seth Worley’s new live-action family feature—and his directorial debut—Sketch manages to hit all the right marks. In just 92 minutes, Worley masterfully creates a world packed with creativity and heartfelt sincerity, tackling complex themes of grief and loss while never losing sight of the narrative’s hopeful core.
At the heart of the story is Amber Wyatt [Bianca Belle], a young girl struggling to cope with the untimely death of her beloved mother. Amber channels her grief into her drawings, creating strange, vivid, and sometimes unsettling creatures as a means of emotional catharsis. Her father Taylor [David Hale] and older brother Jack [Hue Lawrence] discover these wildly imaginative (and admittedly disturbing) sketches and grow concerned. But they, also, are battling their own unresolved grief, living in denial and unable to confront the magnitude of their loss.
Then, the unexpected happens: magic.
Amber’s sketchbook accidentally falls into a mysterious pond, and her wacky creations are brought to life. Suddenly, the Wyatt family’s small, idyllic town is overrun by googly-eyed crayon monsters and towering, glittering giants with lanky legs. In a visual mashup that reminds us of the wonder of Jurassic Park and eerie playfulness of Stranger Things, chaos ensues.
The Wyatt family becomes separated. Amber, Jack, and their slightly obnoxious yet endearing classmate Bowman [Kalon Cox] must band together to face the mayhem. Meanwhile, Taylor embarks on his own adventure to find his children, with the help of his wisecracking, scene-stealing sister Liz [D’arcy Carden]. Each character is ultimately forced to confront their own grief as they navigate fear, denial—and 50-foot monsters.
So, what emerges from this action-packed, gripping blend of humor and horror?
Hope.
Sketch is a story about learning to lean on one another, finding healing through love, vulnerability and connection. Director Worley does not shy away from the inherent evil we all must face when navigating the world, but also offers kids and parents alike the message that love conquers all. Coccooned by spectacle, glitter, and fantastical intrigue, it’s the film’s sincerity that rings the loudest—and lingers long after the credits roll.
With stellar reviews and critical acclaim—including a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8.2/10 rating on IMDb—Sketch is already creating buzz. If you enjoy heartfelt, visually spectacular and original family films (think Inside Out, Jumanji, or Where the Wild Things Are), Sketch is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing releases this August.
Releasing in Cinemas, August 6 2025.