Despite the title, this is very much a movie about people. For those expecting balls-to-the-wall monster action, it may come as some surprise that this is a film squarely focused on human emotion and relationships. That is not to say that Monsters fails to strike a chord; on the contrary, Gareth Edwards subversive movie is accomplished, innovative, and genuinely moving. And what it lacks in monster action, it more than makes up in stunning camera work, breath-taking locations, and believable characters. Depending on what is it you look for in a movie, this could be the most engaging or frustrating cinema experience of the year…
Above all else, Monsters looks fantastic. Its camera-work showcases the handheld-verite style pitch perfectly, adding a sense of realism that is rare in a movie to feature gargantuan space creatures. In fact, all of the technical approaches used in Monsters synchronize brilliantly to deliver a subtle tension; the music and editing continuously hint at the possibility of danger as our protagonists, Sam (Whitney Able) and Kaulder (Scott McNairy), find themselves increasingly lost in the ‘Infected Zone’.
The movie’s bleak but beautiful imagery spells it out, too; as Sam and Kaulder struggle to make their way back to the safety of American soil, the threat of an impending attack from the titular beasts is always present – US helicopters and jet fighters constantly circle, destruction and devastation surrounds them, and burning effigies of the dead line the city streets.
But it’s the characters at the centre of this story that deliver the movies most poignant moments. Whilst we wait for the monsters to show and wreak the kind of havoc that’s so strongly hinted towards, the relationship between Sam and Kaulder becomes the most engaging aspect of the story. The film is littered with tiny moments that will ring true for many viewers (including a drunken pass far too close to home for many men in the audience). In fact, Monsters delivers a depth and realism to characters that is seldom seen in a movie of this genre (hello there, Cloverfield).
This is a rare kind of movie in other respects, too; the film’s locations feel as central to the story as the characters themselves. The Mexico setting helps to alienate the characters whilst bringing a sense of wonderment at their surroundings, something undoubtedly shared by the audience. At times, the locations are nothing short of breathtaking; and though placing the story in Mexico appears to work toward a subtle political analogy, you can’t help but feel that this aspect never materializes to the extent it should.
There is no doubt that Monsters is powerful stuff – though probably not in the way many viewers will be expecting. But we have to admire the approach taken here – using a classic science-fiction concept to deliver something truly original and subversive. In an age when special effects rule the industry, it’s refreshing to see a film that juxtaposes CGI behemoths with genuine emotion. And for those of you disappointed with the lack of, well, monsters, there’s always Cloverfield 2…
