Monsters
Written and Directed by: Gareth Edwards
Starring: Scoot McNairy, Whitney Able

There’s no question that we’ve reached a very exciting point in the evolution of filmmaking, where just about anyone has access to the tools necessary to create something potentially on par with a major Hollywood film. Of course, it takes a lot more than just equipment and ambition to craft a decent movie, which is probably why a lot of people get suspicious whenever they hear about yet another breakthrough low budget success story. Monsters already seems to have that label attached to it, and even though it probably doesn’t have what it takes to become a massive mainstream hit, it’s definitely an impressive achievement in its own way.

Gareth Edwards’ directorial debut has already been garnering plenty of comparisons to both District 9 and Cloverfield, which is going to be both a blessing and a curse. Magnolia Pictures will release it in U.S. theatres next month, but unlike either of those films, it will not get a wide release (at least not initially), and there is a good reason for that. There are certain expectations that come with being a special effects-driven monster movie, and this film defies quite a few of them. However, if you can come at it with an open mind and allow it to take its own course, you will be rewarded with a refreshing and unique science-fiction scenario that marks the arrival of an intriguing new talent.

The opening titles inform us that six years ago, NASA sent a probe into space to gather samples of alien lifeforms that were recently discovered somewhere in our solar system. The probe burnt up on re-entry and crash landed over Mexico, inadvertently bringing the seeds of an alien invasion to our very own planet. A large area of Mexico has since been quarantined by the military as they struggle to contain the creatures. In the midst of this madness, a photo journalist is hired to escort his employer’s daughter to safety back in America.

The first thing to say about Monsters is that it is a much more quiet and contemplative film than its genre usually delivers. You may notice that I categorized this review under sci-fi and drama, but not action. This is because although there is a large military presence throughout, and although the threat of alien attack is constantly looming, the two main characters are not usually involved directly. They wander through a haunting post-apocalyptic landscape, but mostly stay on the outskirts of the actual fighting.

One of the interesting things about the movie is the fact that the aliens are primarily seen on the periphery of the story. In a lot of ways, the aliens have simply become old hat for most of the people in Mexico; TV news reports bring constant updates from the front lines but people aren’t watching with any real interest anymore. That’s not to say the danger is any less significant, but there is a nonchalant attitude about the whole situation (which makes sense since it has been going on for six years). This may frustrate viewers who just want to see alien creatures wreaking havoc, and although there is a little bit of that, this is clearly a story about our two main characters and their developing relationship.

Gareth Edwards chose to cast real-life couple Scoot McNairy and Whitney Able in the film, and they end up giving pretty down-to-earth performances. Initially it seems like they might be trying a little too hard, but once they settle into their roles, the natural chemistry takes over. I like that the back stories are somewhat vague, and we only learn about their lives slowly and naturally as they get to know each other. The dialogue is largely improvised (although at times still feels a bit clunky), and the majority of the other people on screen are non-actors. Again, there aren’t a lot of big movie moments, instead everything is downplayed in pursuit of a more subtle approach.

There is a big difference between this movie and Cloverfield that needs to be cleared up. Monsters does not employ a handheld documentary style, and although it strives for realism and believability, it does not offer a particularly gritty or visceral experience. It’s actually quite the opposite: the movie is shot quite beautifully and makes great use of the gorgeous locations in Mexico and Guatemala. The mesmerizing score by Jon Hopkins is quiet and absorbing, and the movie comes off a lot like The Road, only not quite as bleak.

The CG isn’t groundbreaking, but it gets the job done. The giant aliens and the remnants of their destruction aren’t always entirely convincing, but I think part of the reason for that is the design of the creatures, which are very clearly otherworldly. However, the effects are mostly used sparingly and never too distracting. In the end, you have to accept the fact that the CG is not really the star of the show here.

I suspect that Monsters will disappoint some people simply because it’s not what they want it to be, but even if it’s not a high energy thrill ride, it does succeed at creating a plausible real-life take on an alien invasion that is pretty fascinating. There is a definite political undertone as well (although Edwards claims it was not really intended), and while it’s not as obvious as District 9, there are still some interesting commentaries on immigration laws and disaster response to chew on here. Mostly though, it’s a very human story about love and survival.

The bottom line is that this is an impressive debut film, and you don’t realize just how impressive it is until the credits roll and you notice that Gareth Edwards did almost everything himself from directing to cinematography to creature design. Yes, I’d say this definitely qualifies as a low budget success story, and like most low budget success stories, I simply can’t wait to see what the encore brings. — Sean

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