Last Updated on July 31, 2025 by Fadra Nally
What if you asked a group of elementary school kids to create a horror movie – one that’s scary but still kid-friendly? The result might look a lot like SKETCH, a dark family comedy from Angel Studios. It’s perfect for middle to upper elementary kids, yet clever and heartfelt enough to entertain adults who love imaginative storytelling.
About SKETCH
Presented by Angel Studios, SKETCH tells the story of Amber, a young girl who copes with the recent loss of her mother by scribbling her feelings into increasingly morbid (yet oddly whimsical) drawings. Her dad, Taylor (played by Tony Hale), is struggling to keep the family together, while her brother Jack (Kue Lawrence) is desperate to fix everything. But when Amber’s sketchbook falls into a mysterious pond, her drawings come to life… and chaos ensues.
Despite the heavy themes, SKETCH stays true to Angel Studios’ mission of sharing “stories that amplify light.” While it’s not the fluffy, feel-good film you might expect, it blends drama, suspense, humor, and heart, delivering a story that feels both thrilling and uplifting
Official Synopsis
When a young girl’s sketchbook falls into a strange pond, her drawings come to life—unpredictable, chaotic, and dangerously real. As the town unravels, she and her brother must track down the creatures before they leave permanent damage. Their father, racing to find them through the fallout, must navigate a town in crisis to reunite his family and stop the disaster they never meant to unleash.
Go for the Cast, Stay for the Story
What hooked me first was the cast. Tony Hale, beloved as Buster in Arrested Development, plays Taylor, a grieving father unsure how to handle his pain—or his kids’. Then there’s D’Arcy Carden, the hilarious Janet from The Good Place, who plays Taylor’s sister Liz. She brings warmth and grounding energy to the story.
Add in standout young actors Bianca Belle and Kue Lawrence, and you’ve got a film that’s more than just a “family movie.” It’s a story adults can enjoy just as much as kids.
One Creepy Caveat
Make no mistake—SKETCH is made for kids, but it is scary. Not Friday the 13th scary, but more like Goosebumps or Slenderman scary. Younger children may find it intense, so parents should be ready for some frights.
The man-eating monsters, crafted from crayons, glitter, and other kid-style creations, are surprisingly creepy. The filmmakers turned childlike doodles into something genuinely chilling (the “eye-ders” in particular gave me goosebumps).
Final Verdict: Should You See SKETCH?
Absolutely. In a world overflowing with uninspired remakes (looking at you, Snow White), SKETCH feels fresh, imaginative, and heartfelt. With its clever mix of thrills, humor, and emotional depth, it’s a family film that stands out.
Just don’t say I didn’t warn you when the crayon monsters come for you.
SKETCH opens in theaters on August 6th. Find theater showing SKETCH here.
