Monsters and Men

Monsters and Men

Year: 2018

Runtime: 96 min

Language: English

Director: Reinaldo Marcus Green

Drama

In Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, a young man named Manny Ortega films a police officer fatally shooting an unarmed man. The shocking incident forces Manny to confront a difficult moral dilemma: should he share the video and expose the truth, potentially endangering himself and his family, or remain silent and allow injustice to prevail within his community? He must navigate the complexities of race, law enforcement, and the impact of his actions.

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Timeline – Monsters and Men (2018)

Trace every key event in Monsters and Men (2018) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Dennis Pulled Over

The film opens with Dennis Williams being pulled over by the police, a moment filled with tension. However, the situation diffuses when the officers recognize him as one of their own, allowing him to go free without any confrontation.

2

Manny's Job Application

Next, the narrative shifts to Manny Ortega, who is filling out a job application and grappling with questions about his past convictions. This moment highlights his struggle for redemption and the weight of his history as he seeks a fresh start.

3

Tragic Encounter with Police

Manny's life takes a dark turn during a night out with friends near a dice game. When police attempt to arrest his friend Darius Larson for selling loose cigarettes, the encounter ends tragically as Darius is shot, echoing real-life incidents of police violence.

Outside a bodega
4

Manny Records the Incident

In the aftermath of the shooting, Manny uses his phone to record the chaos that ensues. The footage captures the deep-seated issues surrounding police actions and the traumatic effect it has on those who witness such violence.

5

Manny's Haunted Reflection

Haunted by what he has witnessed, Manny goes home and reviews the footage of Darius' death. The following day brings a news narrative that contradicts his experience, claiming Darius was reaching for an officer's weapon, which leaves Manny distraught.

6

Intimidation by Police

Two officers confront Manny in a park, attempting to intimidate him into silence regarding the incident. Despite Marisol's warnings about the potential dangers of revealing the truth, Manny decides to share the video online, aiming to shed light on police misconduct.

Local Park
7

Dennis' Professional Struggles

Meanwhile, Dennis grapples with the repercussions of the event as he conducts a joint patrol with his partner Stacey. During their patrol, they observe protests erupting outside the bodega, showcasing the community's anger and sorrow following Darius' death.

Outside the bodega
8

Internal Affairs Investigation

As tensions rise, internal affairs begin investigating the officers involved in the shooting, particularly focusing on Officer Scala. Dennis finds himself caught between loyalty to his colleagues and the moral duty to speak the truth.

9

Zyrick's Awakening

The film also explores Zyrick's journey as he faces racial profiling and becomes more aware of the societal issues around him. After witnessing the chaos following Darius' murder, he feels compelled to take action and join a community protest.

10

Zyrick Joins the Protest

At the pivotal protest, Zyrick joins demonstrators chanting in solidarity as he echoes the words 'I am... Darius Larson.' This moment represents a significant turning point as he connects his personal experiences with broader injustices.

Protest Site
11

Escalation of Violence

As the protest escalates, the police respond aggressively, heightening the tension. Zyrick finds himself in a perilous situation that forces him to flee, underscoring the hostile environment surrounding movements advocating for justice.

12

Zyrick's Baseball Game

During an important baseball game, Zyrick wears a shirt emblazoned with the words 'I am Darius Larson.' This act of solidarity not only shows his support for Darius but also highlights the intersection of sports and social activism.

Baseball Field
13

Taking a Knee

As the game unfolds, Zyrick takes a knee, a powerful act of protest that resonates deeply with the audience. The chant that follows echoes the struggles faced by many, linking sports with the fight against racial injustice.

Baseball Field
14

Film's Conclusion

The intertwined narratives of Manny, Dennis, and Zyrick culminate in a poignant commentary on systemic issues within law enforcement and racial inequality. As the screen fades to black, the powerful messages of solidarity and social justice linger, inviting the audience to reflect.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 16:13

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Monsters and Men Summary

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Monsters and Men Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Monsters and Men

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Monsters and Men

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