Monsters

With all the hype of 3D and CGI films, this post-modern Sci-Fi film is a breath of fresh air and puts most multi million blockbusters to shame.
The special effects and theme of 'Monsters' is actually only a backdrop to a wonderfully realistic story of love and fear, it almost has the feel it doesn't need the monsters at all, but don't worry, there's enough of them to wet your appetite!

NASA receives news of Alien life and sends up a probe to collect specimens. Upon re-entry the plane crashes in Mexico and the Aliens hatch and turn the whole country into an "infected zone". America, fearing the Aliens can gain entry to their country, build a giant barrier to keep them out whilst dropping chemicals all over Mexico to eradicate the lifeforms.
A photojournalist called Kaulder (Scoot McNairy), is trying to document and capture that epic shot of the creatures. He is frustratingly asked to "babysit" his boss's beautiful, vulnerable daughter Samantha (Whitney Able), accompanying her through the highly dangerous infected zone to the US border. Inevitably, their new found relationship begins to blossom.

McNairy and Able shine in their roles. Creating incredibly believable characters through mostly improvised dialogue scenes. Their relationship and chemistry feels very real and emotionally engaging and alot of credit is down to two very fine performances.

However, British born writer-director Gareth Edwards deserves the majority of any praise. Shooting this masterpiece on a shoestring budget (some reports as low as $100,000!) and creating the special effects on his home computer. He has crafted an incredibly endearing cult classic. Theres almost a feeling of a Spielberg genius to his work and I eagerly anticipate his blossoming career in the film world.

'Monsters' is a breath of fresh air to a genre that has been heavily plagued with gloss and some over compensating of special 3D effects. It transcends it's own considerable limitations and the creatures are merely the catalyst to the relentless tension and journey we are taken on.

A must watch.
4/5

Si Jewell