Let’s Ride #30!
Today’s Let’s Ride entry is the surprisingly enjoyable The Monster from 2016. The film has a very small cast including its two stars, Zoe Kazan and Ella Ballentine, and Aaron Douglas, Christine Ebadi, Marc Hickox, and Scott Speedman. Keira Knightley narrates the film as the adult version of Lizzy, Ballentine’s character. The movie was written and directed by Bryan Bertino, perhaps best known for his work on both films in the The Strangers franchise.
The film tells the story of Kathy (Kazan) and her estranged daughter, Lizzy (Ballentine), as they are driving back to Lizzy’s father’s house. Kathy is struggling with alcoholism and Lizzy hopes that her father, Roy (Speedman), gains full custody of her since her mother is terribly abusive towards her. The pair find themselves on a lonely stretch of road and are in an accident whenever a wolf jumps out in front of them and they spin out of control. Kathy hurts her wrist and is scratched up by the wreck. The car is banged up and has a flat. They call 911 and wait for an ambulance and tow truck to arrive.
They get out of the vehicle to check on the wolf and discover wounds on the wolf’s body that were not a result of the wreck. They also find a massive fang in the wolf’s flesh. They go back to the car and wait inside while waiting for help. When the tow truck arrives, the driver, Jesse (Douglas), is brutally attacked by a creature. The same thing happens to the ambulance crew. Lizzy and Kathy have to get beyond their differences to figure out how to stop the monster that is terrorizing them. Do they survive? Do they mend their broken relationship? Watch The Monster and see for yourself!
Bertino does a great job of lacing past struggles between Lizzy and her mother throughout the entire film while the beast is on the prowl. We see Kathy struggle with her alcoholism and Lizzy coping with her mother and father’s behavior. We also see that despite the fact that they have major issues between them, Lizzy and Kathy truly love one another. The monster is slowly revealed in the film, with a full reveal towards the climax of the movie. The beast, created by a team headed up by Jennifer Stroud, looks amazing, especially considering the budget. Bertino uses light, shadows, and focus to let the viewers see the creature. The action is excellent as well.
The Monster is a really good film. It’s a bit of a slow burner that does a brilliant job of letting the viewer get to know the two leads and then throws them into a chaotic situation that has a shocking result. Give this film a look. I think that you’ll like it.
As always, thanks for checking out my post.
Ken's Alternate Universe! 