Monsters

‘Monsters’ was made on a mere budget of $500,00, at least in Hollywood terms.  This has meant that it has relied on good reviews and word of mouth for promotion instead of having any big names attached. This needs to be taken into account when watching the film for otherwise it feels just like another apocalyptic film, but the fact it seems like a normal Hollywood film shows the level of expertise and talent that was put into this sleeper hit.

The film is set the day after Independence Day or more accurately six years after the aliens arrive on Earth. But these are not aliens with a mission to conquer the universe or enslave mankind, but simply very large octopi-like creatures that can walk on land and are as tall as skyscrapers. The world and its leaders have, however, overreacted and contained the creatures to Central America. It is across this abandoned landscape that Andrew Kaulder (Scoot McNairy), a newspaper photographer looking for his big break, must take his boss’s daughter Samantha Wynden (Whitney Able) so that she can get back to her life in America. The premise is unique and handled differently from District 9, which was released last year and will also be inevitably be compared to ‘Monsters’. Unfortunately ‘Monsters’ decided not to go into too much history of what political decisions led to the present day situation, and this little extra detail would have been a nice added touch.

Instead first time director Gareth Edwards wants to concentrate on his two leads and watch how their relationship grows and matures while they are on this crazy journey. It is certainly a risk casting two unknowns, but it paid off with both giving excellent performances, with Able being especially compelling to watch. After seeing the film it came as a shock when to find out that she was originally not meant to be in the film. Edwards wanted his female lead to be plain, or at least as plain as Hollywood would allow, and felt that Able was too attractive when introduced to him by McNairy, her then boyfriend, now husband. However, it became clear that the chemistry between the young couple was just what the film needed and eventually Edwards made the right decision and gave Able to role. She comes across as both humble and kind, but also unhappy with the route her life is taking and desperate to find a change; McNairy expertly plays the disgruntled photographer who would rather be out taking pictures than babysitting this girl. What the actors really should be credited with is that some of the depths of these characters are their own creation since a lot of the script and plot was ad-libbed in order to create an authentic feel. So memorable lines about photographing victims came from the actors themselves rather than a team of writers. It is also a credit to their talent that the lack of a formal script goes by unnoticed. In fact a lot of the low budget factors, such as using lots of local extras, only one camera and very little CGI, is almost unnoticeable.

Despite what the trailers imply there is little violence or gore in the film. Even scenes after creature attacks are delicately handled with more implied than shown. Edwards seems to have learnt quickly that the audiences have better imaginations than what is usually put on the screen. Instead he fills the screen with beautiful shots of Mexican jungles and mountains that almost make you want to join the traveling pair, if it wasn’t for the huge creatures that they are trying to avoid. Saying all this, it would have been nice to have a few more scenes that kept you on the edge of your seat if nothing more than to simply heighten the sense of danger.

Overall this is a great film with only a few minor errors that stop it from being a perfect film. The premise is fantastic and is well supported by its two leads that do an amazing job. At the helm is Edwards who takes the control like it’s his 5^th film, not his first, and he thoroughly deserves the BIFA (British Independent Film Association) he recently won. If this film does need word of mouth to succeed I will happily lend my voice to the chorus of others who are speaking its praise.

Degree- 2:1

A great film that must be seen by everyone. Great concept, great cast

and a film that deserves recognition.

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