Closet Monster

Eight-year-old Oscar Madly learns that his parents are getting divorced, which shatters his childhood innocence. In response, he retreats into a vivid fantasy world filled with joyful memories and conversations with his talking hamster, Buffy.

One night, Oscar witnesses a brutal homophobic assault on a teenage boy, which leaves a lasting impact on him. The attackers commit a horrific act by driving a metal rod through the victim, deepening Oscar's fears and confusion.

Fast forward ten years, Oscar is now eighteen and preparing to graduate. He dreams of attending a special effects make-up school in New York City, indicating his aspirations and desire for escapism.

To distance himself from his immature and homophobic father, Oscar takes a job at a local hardware store. Here, he meets Wilder, a charming coworker, but struggles with a distressing pain in his stomach whenever he thinks about him.

As Oscar and Wilder's friendship grows, Oscar experiences moments of joy mixed with confusion about his feelings. His talking hamster, Buffy, hints at Oscar's budding love, although he quickly dismisses the thought.

Oscar receives heartbreaking news about being rejected from the only school he applied to. This setback deepens his emotional struggles just as he prepares to attend Wilder's farewell costume party after Wilder is let go from the hardware store.

In a moment of vulnerability, Oscar tries on his mother's old clothes at home, leading to a fierce confrontation with his father. This explosive argument escalates to the point where Oscar locks his dad in a closet, signaling a breaking point in their relationship.

At the farewell party, uncertainty about Wilder's sexuality weighs heavily on Oscar. The night takes a dark turn when he is assaulted by another guest, Andrew, plunging him into terrifying hallucinatory visions.

After losing consciousness, Oscar is revived by Wilder, who brings him to his treehouse. In a moment of intimacy, they discuss Oscar's awareness of his sexuality, leading to an important confession and their first kiss.

Upon waking up alone the next day, Oscar realizes that Wilder has disappeared. To escape his issues at home, he visits his mother and confronts her about her absence during the divorce.

Oscar anxiously returns to his father's house, desperately searching for his beloved hamster, Buffy. He discovers that his belongings have been wrecked and, amidst a heated argument, finds Buffy's lifeless body.

Devastated by the loss of Buffy, Oscar experiences a hallucination where he perceives a metal rod emerging from his body. This spirals into a fit of rage as he threatens his father, reflecting his inner turmoil and despair.

While at his mother's house, Oscar shares the news of his college rejection. She encourages him to channel his creativity by exploring an artist's colony on Fogo Island, suggesting a hopeful new direction for his life.

Upon arriving at Fogo Island, Oscar has a poignant conversation with Buffy, where she reveals a shocking truth about her identity. He learns that she is not the original hamster, and after their emotional farewell, he releases her into the sea.

After saying goodbye to Buffy, Oscar returns to his room to reflect on his childhood memories. He grapples with the complex feelings surrounding his relationship with his father and the blissful times they once shared.