The Monster

Brian Betinos 2008 flick 'The Strangers' was as simple as a film can get, and was well seasoned with some simple character backstory that added to the sense of tragedy and added to the tension of the film. In this film the heavy handed addiction sublot diffuses the tension of the film, and makes it difficult to empathise with the relationship at the core of the film. Its well shot, well acted but I felt myself getting detached from the action early on.

This film wasn't terrible. It manages to take a very basic "stuck in a car with a monster outside" plot and inject some character into it. But it was by no means great.

The acting was solid. There are some emotional scenes that elevated the film.

The director manages to create some tension and suspense with the atmospheric lighting, camera movements, and shot composition.

The effects on the monster ranged from pretty okay to sometimes looking slightly silly. It's a practical monster instead of CGI, which is appreciated, but it still looks rubber and fake in certain scenes.

The final act of the movie was pretty strong.

The story is very basic. Two people get stranded on a deserted road and a monster from the woods terrorizes them. The film tries to engage the viewer more by making the primary focus of the story about the strained relationship between the mother and daughter and how this terrifying experience brings them together. In some respects this works, but it's not enough to make the story anything more than average at best.

The dialogue was also very shoddy at points and felt unnatural and forced.

Overall, this is a pretty average horror movie. Nothing special or memorable but not bad. Don't expect anything great. Expect a flawed film with an unoriginal plot with some good aspects scattered throughout.

5/10.

Battling our own fears and weaknesses could be an alternative title to this film. At first the mother seems to be an irresponsible, immature young parent. The child has learned to take care of herself. The acting is extraordinary. The actors excelled in making the audience believe that they were living the story rather than pretending. No matter what the problems in their relationship, as they are depicted through the flashbacks, the bond between mother and her child is and remains till the end very strong. As strong are the mother's addictions, which affect their relationship and their lives. I won't disclose in what way. For me it was an allegory and, in that purpose the director - writer delivered. I recommend it.

They got stuck somewhere between the saint maud symbolic style and "screw it let's just make a monster movie" because I thought for a second they were going to play on the "addiction is a monster" thing but then where would a monster killing a tow truck driver fit in in that so I 86d trying to interpret it in that way and thought to myself "I'll just enjoy a monster movie" and that worked when all else failed so I gave it 6 stars... with that being said dumb decisions are never good... especially when in a life or death situation where you actually have a minute to think about what your going to do instead of just having to do it... but it executed edge of your seat nevertheless.... if you go into watching with more of a monster movie expectation then it's going to suck for you... enjoy yourself watch a horror movie and stop whining...

As children, we often have irrational fears of things we have not being given a proper introduction to - We are told numerous stories, some still ignoring the lingering question we harbor deep within - Our Monsters Real? - Or an allegory of our very existence? This idea is effectively used in recent films such as, 'The Babadook', 'It Follows', 'The Witch' and 'Under the Shadow'. Director Bryan Bertino ('The Strangers') shares a similar notion of this with 'The Monster'.

Kathy (Zoe Kazan) a divorced alcoholic and inexperienced mother is taking her young and mature of age daughter, Lizzy (Ella Ballentine), to permanently relocate with Lizzy's father. While driving at night through a remote, rain-lashed forest, Kathy crashes into a wolf, which wrecks their car leaving them stranded for help - Waiting for a tow truck and ambulance. From here on, questions are raised - Where did the wolf come from? What was it running from? Where'd it get those deep cuts on its body? Or where did the body disappear too? Strangely these questions are not justifiably asked by Kathy, but by Lizzy.

The only voice of reason!

Ella Ballentine is the standout here - reminiscent of a young Reese Witherspoon. Inquisitive, timid, fearful and courageously carrying the weight of 'The Monster', as she has spent much of her youth taking care of herself - and her mother - Through flashbacks provided. One in particular truly showing her acting chops. Zoe Kazan also great as Kathy tries to maintain her sobriety while navigating and understanding the needs of her daughter - Yes an overused device in Hollywood - But effective still none the less.

Scott Speedman shows us halfway through the movie with little to say or do, perhaps a favor to Bertino, whom he directed in 'The Strangers'.

Cinematographer Julie Kirkwood offers very little to appreciate here - With Bertino not fully utilizing her until the third act - With a beautiful shot of the enclosed woods. The monster itself plays a minor role - As the full look of it seems rather cheap.

Overall 'The Monster' may not hold up well with most allegory horror films, but it will stand on its own merit for Ella Ballentine - As she comes face to face with the monster - Or are understanding of what it means to let go and grow up - Afterall monsters are only what we make of them.