'Monsters' Review

Do not read the title of this movie and expect the obvious! Although the movie has plenty of monsters within it's 94 minute run time, but this is far from the usual sci-fi movie chock full of action sequences. Instead this is a touching love story set against a back drop of alien invasion. The story follows on six years after a NASA probe returns from space after a mission to hunt for evidence of alien existence. The probe crash lands over central America and as new life forms begin to appear in Mexico, people start to fear of alien invasion and therefore much of the country gets quarantined, and is now called 'The Infected Zone'. A photographer is left in charge of getting his boss's daughter over the border safely, but as they missed out on safer means of travel he is left to take her through 'The Infected Zone'.

This movie is very original in how it turns the movie's genre on it's head from what people would usually expect. Although this movie is not a fast paced, action packed sci-fi flick, the story is still highly engaging and involving, and involves two characters the audience can really care for. The only real criticism that can be made of this film is that it drags a little in some places, and although the slow pace of the movie works on whole and is actually more effective than not, some scenes perhaps outstay there welcome.

Scoot McNairy and Whitney Able shine in the only two notable acting parts in the film (as almost all other characters were played by locals in the areas being filmed). They create two very believable characters who can both portray the physical strain this dangerous journey has on them and the emotional journey they take with each other. As the characters make discoveries about the world they live in and each other, the results are often touching. It is also a testament to the chemistry these actors had with one another, in that they are now married. As most of the dialogue is improvised, this further emphasises the talent of these two actors as what they are saying always feels real and genuine. Their work is very impressive as fairly unknown actors, given the fact they carry the weight of this entire film on their shoulders.

However, the real credit for this movie has to be given to writer/director Gareth Edwards who delivers a wonderfully original picture which stays with you long after the credits have rolled. He shot this film guerrilla style on a tiny budget, which may surprise many who watch it. Edward's production design is highly impressive also, particularly given the fact the monsters themselves were created on a laptop over the course of 6 months, with the finished product looking like they have come from a far more expensive movie. The cinematography is also very notable in this movie, as almost every scene is excellently shot, combining the onscreen action with the beauitiful scenery to deliver a picture which is both vibrant and often peaceful.

The combination of heart felt performances, top notch cinematography, excellent effects, an engaging story and brilliant writing/direction make this creative and highly unique picture one which shows Gareth Edwards as a new talent whose work is to be looked out for in the future.

Verdict:

4 Stars