Monsters

You have to stand in awe of writer/director/cinematographer/special effects creator Gareth Edwards. With Monsters, he shows just how far visual effects have come and how it is no longer necessary to spend an absolute fortune to make an incredible special effects film. Shooting with a crew of three people and using only two actors, he has created a film so visually stunning that it’s hard to believe all the helicopters, planes and tanks have all been added in post production. Indeed Edwards has created some of the most amazing monster footage seen on the big screen in years and he did it with only a small team of artists. Just as good visually as films such as Cloverfield and District 9 (if not better) and all done by a one-man-band director who has just rocketed himself into eyes of the world; Hollywood will be calling, if they haven’t done so already.

Monsters isn’t your run-of-the-mill horror/monster movie. It is in fact a hybrid road movie/romance (with monsters) as our two characters; Sam (Able) and Andrew (Scoot) try to make their way across an alien infested region of Mexico in order to get back to America. Six years previous to the opening of the story, NASA discovered alien life on other planets and sent a probe out to collect samples. Upon re-entry to earth the probe exploded and fragments fell to earth. Alien life began to breed in an area of Northern Mexico now called the “Infected Zone”. The US and Mexican military are struggling to contain the creatures within this area. Meanwhile, media photographer Andrew is based in southern Mexico photographing the effects these creatures are having and is tasked with getting his boss’ daughter home to America safely. However, when they miss the last ferry to the US and there isn’t another one for six months, they are forced to make their way across the infected zone in order to have any hope of getting home.

The first thing that grabs you from the opening five minutes is the phenomenal special effects. However, after the first sequence, you become completely enthralled in the chemistry between the two leads. The performances are exceptional from Able and McNairy, no doubt helped by the fact they are actually a couple in ‘real life’. The set-up is comic and believable and we really begin to love these characters and care about them making it to their destination. The director spoke before the film telling us there was no script when they started shooting but you wouldn’t notice. The writing or improvisation by the actors is solid and at no point do you feel anything is unnecessary. The supporting cast is made up of locals and crew (all three of them) who all look like seasoned professionals never pulling you out of the illusion.

 The monsters themselves do not appear as often as you’d expect or perhaps like but, when they do, they are magnificent. The final scene is a work of wonder and you completely believe that this world exists. Special effects aside, visually this movie is stunning, shot in luscious high definition with a hand held camera, you get some stunning landscape shots of South America and you get to examine every detail of emotion and performance from the actors.

Monsters is a complete triumph. Those going in thinking this is an all-out monster film will be disappointed but anyone interested in a good story well told is in for a treat. This film was a joy to watch.

Monsters was screened as part of the 64th Edinburgh International Film Festival

Last edited: 20th June 2010

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