THEY CALL US MONSTERS

Director: Ben Lear A release for Matson Films Theatrical release: January 9, 2017

In California, violent juveniles between 14-17 years old can be tried as adults. They are accused of heinous crimes—murders and attempted murders—that leave their victims’ families shattered. We go inside The Compound and meet three such offenders awaiting trial, who tell the stories of their lives through a movie script. Do they deserve a second chance? Do they have the capacity for change? What is society’s responsibility to these kids? These are the questions legislators are grappling with across the country as they attempt to reform our juvenile justice system. They Call Us Monsters powerfully blurs the line between childhood and adulthood, humanity and evil.

https://matsonfilms.com/stills-films/Stills/They%20Call%20us%20Monsters_Trailer/Copy%20of%20Monsters%2011%2013%2016%20Trailer%20Stereo%20Audio%202ch-HD.mp4

A haunting and essential look at the juvenile justice system that refuses to offer easy answers.Los Angeles Times

Deeply empathetic and rigorously reported, it gives voice to those the system has discarded.Variety

A powerful, perspective-shifting documentary.The New York Times