Love and Monsters

Love and Monsters is a 2020 American post-apocalyptic action, romance and adventure movie directed by Michael Matthews and screenplay by Brian Duffield and Matthew Robinson. The movie combines elements of comedy, action, and romance, offering a fresh and whimsical take on a post-apocalyptic world that diverges from the typical serious and gloomy portrayals common in movies with similar themes.

Dylan O'Brien, best known for his role in the popular teen drama series "Teen Wolf" and the dystopian science-fiction saga "The Maze Runner", takes center stage as Joel Dawson, the charming and awkward lead protagonist who survives in a dystopian world where monsters rule the land. An intriguing twist lies in this apocalypse - it's not the zombies or aliens that have taken over, but rather mutated creatures resulting from a failed attempt to divert an incoming asteroid. These are not the usual monsters, they are considerably diverse and creatively designed, ranging from gigantic toad monstrosities to giant-sized, snail-like creatures, whose captivating aura might remind audiences of the creatures from the “Monsters, Inc.” universe.

While Joel spends his days dwelling in a shelter with other survivors, he spends his nights pining away for his high school sweetheart, Aimee, brilliantly played by Jessica Henwick (Iron Fist, Game of Thrones). After accidentally making contact with her over the radio and discovering she's alive and well, albeit 85 miles away, Joel makes the rash decision to venture out into the dangerous, monster-ridden world to find her.

As Joel embarks onto the surface, we get to see the monstrous world in all of its terrifying and sinister beauty. There, across the dangerous turf, he encounters several unique characters, including a hardened survivor, expert monster killer Clyde (Michael Rooker of The Walking Dead fame) and his juvenile companion, Minnow (Ariana Greenblatt), who teach him valuable survival skills, adding action-packed sequences and sincere moments that anchor the story.

The film’s core is rooted in its unique juxtaposition of a warm and inviting pastel-palette colored world and the daunting, monstrous creatures that inhabit it, creating an unexpected and fascinating atmosphere. The viewer is allowed to see the world through Joel’s fearful yet curious perspective, which is beautifully displayed through stunning special effects and set designs that establish a vivid and expansive post-apocalyptic atmosphere.

The chemistry between the stars is palpable and the film strikes a harmonious balance between its action and romance. O'Brien's portrayal as a hero-in-the-making is compelling, while Henwick's role is notable and provides a strong female persona. Rooker’s turn as a hardened survivor is a treat, while Greenblatt's fearless young companion is a scene-stealer.

Love and Monsters also cleverly interweaves moments of comedy without undermining its character development, action sequences or the gravity of the situation. Furthermore, despite its monster-filled premise, the movie successfully channels relatable human emotions and experiences, such as fear, hope, love, and the courage to confront one’s anxieties and challenges.

Thematically, the movie plays with the idea of overcoming personal fears and stepping out of your comfort zone to find your place in the world, even if that world is a dangerous one. It communicates a quintessential message - bravery is not the absence of fear, but acting in spite of fear.

Love and Monsters is a compelling journey through a monster-infested apocalypse that perfectly blends elements of romance, high-stakes adventure, drama, and comedy. Its balance between human connections and survival, portrayed by an excellent cast in unavoidable peril, make it an exhilarating and endearing watch. At its heart, it’s a story about love, self-discovery, and friendships that form in unexpected places, and it proves that even the most horrific of circumstances can yield a path for growth and self-realization. For anyone looking forward to an exciting, heartfelt embodiment of human spirit and resilience wrapped in a light-hearted fantasy, Love and Monsters is a must-watch.