Monsters

MONSTERS is a very unique and special film. Ripe with symbolism and social commentary, it is a parable of deep proportions. It is a film about relationships. It is a film that slowly builds. The intensity moves quietly along, but the film never gets emotionally comfortable. It is not an “edge of your seat” film in the modern sense. It is an exercise in a slow burning discomfort that never really lets up. Technically the film is shot beautifully. Each scene has an almost lavish feel to it. Clearly, the art involved was tended to with loving care.

The acting is executed in such a way that makes the characters feel like normal everyday people. It is a simple task to believe them and come to know them during the course of the movie. The subtle way in which they portrayed “real” people in a bad situation is simply perfect. This film has something so many of its type do not: character development. I honestly couldn’t pick out a single character that didn’t seem genuine.

The background noise of the human drama that unfolds on screen is the presence of gigantic aliens that really reminded me of some form of Cuthulian horror. Honestly, the aliens are magnificent looking. The beauty of the creatures seems to be in their animal nature. Yet they seem to encompass an almost sweet connection to each other and the gas station scene is the crown jewel of the film. It is only then that the viewer comes to fully realize what the movie is about. Everything seeks a place in this world, and we all need to be loved. We all need to be lifted towards a place we can call home. And the definition of “home” is surely put to the test. It is not a just place to live, but it is whom you live with that makes it.

There are certainly comments in the film about immigration, government involvement, and even the difficulties of traveling these days, but the film is not heavy handed and is one of the most subtle presentations of these ideas I have ever seen. The movie is immense in its scope and ramifications. It is deep and powerful. The love with which it was obviously rendered and written speaks very clearly from the screen. The development of the character’s souls is timeless and powerful. I was heartbroken, tense, exhausted, and moved throughout the entire movie.

In a day of over the top action movies, this was as refreshing as a spring rain. The expectations of many audiences will be challenged. If one goes into the film expecting Godzilla or Independence Day, it simply will not happen. What will occur is so much more than that. It is a deep, meaningful, believable presentation that will set the mind working and hopefully open up the possibility of a deepness in science fiction film that has only just begun to emerge in this day of an Attention Deficit Disorder society.