Monster Awakens

Monster Awakens is a frustrating near-masterpiece. The technical achievements are undeniable - the creature design, sound mixing, and production design are all Oscar-worthy. However, the thin character development and predictable plot beats keep it from true greatness. You can see every story turn coming a mile away, which undercuts some of the tension. That said, when it leans into pure horror spectacle, it's unmatched. There's one sequence involving infrared cameras that's the most inventive scare I've seen in years. The gore effects are spectacularly visceral without feeling gratuitous. Worth seeing for horror fans, especially on the big screen, but don't expect much depth beyond the surface-level terror.

Monster Awakens succeeds where so many modern horror films fail by prioritizing mood and character over cheap jump scares. The first hour is a masterclass in slow-burn tension, with cinematography that turns every frame into a haunting painting. When the creature finally appears, the payoff is spectacular - a grotesque, biologically plausible nightmare brought to life through stunning practical effects. My only complaint is that the middle section drags slightly as it builds its mythology, and some supporting characters feel underwritten. But these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise an exceptional horror experience. The sound design alone deserves awards, creating an aural landscape that crawls under your skin. The final twenty minutes will leave you breathless.

Granted, I harbored zero expectations to the movie, given the extremely low budget presentation of the movie's cover. Yet, with it being a movie that I had neither seen, nor actually ever heard about, of course I opted to give the movie the benefit of the doubt and check it out.

Writers David Owen Wright and Scout Wright put together a bland and monotonous script that proved to be nothing more than a background noise movie. I mean, I lost interest in the storyline not even 30 minutes into the ordeal, but I kept the movie going, listening to the awful dialogue whilst keeping half an eye on the screen. So yeah, you're most definitely not in for an evening of Shakespearian theater here, should you opt to sit down and watch "Monster Awakens", not that I was actually expecting such from the movie.

I was not familiar with the cast ensemble in the movie, but I can't claim that the acting was particularly memorable or outstanding. I will say, though, that the acting was fair, taking into consideration the premise of the script and the somewhat faulty and poorly written dialogue that they had to work with.

There is a lot of Wright people involved n the movie, not only writing and directing, but also starring in, which leads me to believe that this was a family home video project.

What kept the movie somewhat afloat was the locations that the movie was shot it, because that snowclad forest definitely worked in favor of the overall enjoyment of the movie.

This is definitely not a movie that I would recommend you to waste 74 minutes on watching "Monster Awakens".

My rating of director Ashley Hays Wright's 2024 movie "Monster Awakens" lands on a two out of ten stars.

Monster Awakens is the kind of ambitious horror film that deserves to be seen, even if it doesn't completely stick the landing. The first two acts are nearly perfect - a slow-building symphony of dread with incredible attention to detail in every frame. The monster, when fully revealed, is a triumph of practical effects that recalls the golden age of creature features. Where the film stumbles slightly is in its over-reliance on exposition in the third act, undercutting some of the mystery that made the first half so compelling. Still, the sheer craftsmanship on display is remarkable, particularly in the sound design which uses infrasound frequencies to create subconscious unease. It's not quite a masterpiece, but it's one of the most memorable horror films in recent memory.

If you're a fan of atmospheric horror with strong emotional undertones, Monster Awakens is worth your time. The film follows a young woman lost in the woods during a blizzard while being hunted by a mysterious creature. At the same time, her father searches for her, adding emotional urgency to the story. What really stands out is how well the film uses its environment. The forest and snowstorm are more than just a backdrop-they're active threats that enhance the horror. The monster isn't overused, which keeps the suspense high. The film doesn't rush - it takes its time to build dread, relying on eerie silence, excellent sound design, and raw performances. There's a quiet beauty in its simplicity. While some viewers may want more action or blood, those who appreciate slow-burning, emotionally-driven horror will find something special here.