Far too often these days we are given a horror film that
promises to scare us while delivering very few scares. Sure a well-made movie
that doesn’t depend on displaying anything on screen can be an unnerving
experience. But that seems to be the main rather than the exception these days
and thus results in far too many movies that are all atmosphere with no meat on
their bones. THE MONSTER combines that with an actual on screen creature that
will hold you in it’s grip.
The story revolves around a young girl named Lizzy (Ella
Ballentine) who just wants a normal life. Unfortunately that’s not likely to
happen. Her mother Kathy (Zoe Kazan) is an alcoholic party girl who has yet to
mature and realize this is not a good way of life for herself or her daughter. This
lifestyle sets up the deepest narrative of the movie with a love/hate
relationship between the two. Lizzy loves her mother and takes care of her more
than the reverse but at the same time hates who her mother is. Kathy loves
Lizzy but is so entrenched in her own habits that she can’t focus enough to
provide what she wants for her daughter.
The stage is set for a change. Lizzy’s father, who left
because of Kathy’s lifestyle choices, is now taking over Lizzy’s life. The pair
is set to travel to his house so Lizzy can live there. But of course a late
night of drinking means Kathy has woken late and they now must travel at night.
Rain kicks on while they are on the road traveling a well wooded area,
resulting in a wolf running across the road in front of them and their hitting
him. With a slightly damaged car they call a repair service even though it’s
very late and then sit and wait.
Then something happens. Lizzy notices that the wolf who was
in the middle of the road is now gone. Having checked it she is certain that it
was dead and yet no wolf. While checking things out Lizzy hears a growling in
the woods and returns to the car. The tow service arrives and begins working on
their car. He’s attacked and taken by the monster without the mother-daughter
couple noticing. When they do discover him missing Lizzy’s worst fears are
confirmed. There is indeed something out there.
As viewers we’re in for a treat. While the monster in
question is at first nothing more than a growl or the appearance of perhaps a
hand reaching out, we eventually get the payoff of seeing the monster in all of
its slimy, glistening glory, big teeth and all. One way or another the pair
fend off the attacks of this creature with the hope of prevailing and making it
out alive. This is where the true terror kicks in. In the past both would live
happily ever after. The current wave of horror films will see both of them torn
to bits as the monster awaits another victim. As viewers we sit and wait to
find out which of these scenarios will play out. Or will there be something new
and original?
One thing to consider while watching this is just who the
title is referring to. Is it the creature that lurks in the woods killing off
unsuspecting travelers who happen by? Is it the mother who should be acting
like an adult and raising her child properly rather than behaving like the
child in this situation? Or is it the daughter who loves her mother yet at the
same time has wished her dead due to her antics? Or is the answer all of the
above?
Well made, well-crafted and well acted. The movie provides
enough scares to keep you on the edge of your seat and enough story to have you
thinking about the topics on hand from start to finish. At no time does it opt
for an easy way out and that means the end result is a satisfying monster movie
that should please fans of the genre more than many films being released these
days.
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