Monstrous

Monstrous is a suspense-filled horror thriller from the year 2020, directed by Bruce Wemple. The film is a perfect blend of thrilling chills and layered storytelling that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The casting of the movie includes talented actors like Anna Shields, Rachel Finninger, and Grant Schumacher, whose performances add depth to the film and contribute to the intense aura of suspense.

In this gripping narrative, the protagonist Sylvia, played by Anna Shields, is a lonely woman with a troubled past. After a close friend disappears in the Northern Adirondacks, Sylvia follows the breadcrumb trail of mysterious clues that her friend left behind. Shields, in her role as Sylvia, convincingly portrays the panic, desperation, and dogged determination that pushes the character deeper into unfamiliar territory.

When Sylvia takes a ride with Alex (Rachel Finninger), a woman who may hold the answers to her friend's mysterious disappearance, the plot thickens. The dynamic between Sylvia and Alex becomes a compelling subplot in itself as it ebbs and flows, and it becomes increasingly clear that both women are not exactly as they appear. The performances of Finninger and Shields create complex characters who carry with them their own secrets and motivations, adding more layers to the suspense.

Grant Schumacher plays Jamie, a friend and connection to Sylvia's missing friend. His role, although secondary, is nonetheless pivotal to the development of the story – spurring Sylvia on her quest and adding a personal stake to her journey. He provides a touch of the familiar and human amidst the lurking terror.

Monstrous drapes elements of mystery, horror, creature feature, and psychological thriller over its central story, creating a multi-faceted spectacle designed to hold viewers in uneasy suspense. It runs away from the convention of straightforward horror and instead opts for a twisted, dark journey that takes the viewers along for a ride, while keeping them guessing all the way.

The movie does an excellent job of utilizing its environment, with the isolated, mysterious Adirondack wilderness serving as the perfect backdrop for the unfolding suspense. The lush yet foreboding landscape enhances the chilling atmosphere of the movie, encapsulating the viewers in its eerie, isolated setting and adding an extra layer of horror, effectively symbolizing the characters' lonely journeys into the unknown.

The undercurrent storyline of the film plays around with the idea of the legendary Bigfoot, adding an unexpected flavor of local lore and mythology to the intense horror of the story. This intriguing inclusion creates an extra layer of mystery to the film and serves as a clever, dark twist to the conventional horror monster theme.

Director Bruce Wemple showcases his flair for impactful, tension-building narratives with Monstrous. Using carefully crafted cinematography, he deftly juggles multiple elements ranging from isolation, fear, mystery, and even layers of psychological dread, creating not just scenes of horror, but an atmosphere that permeates every shot and interaction.

Taking viewers on a nerve-racking ride thick with suspense and believably flawed characters, Monstrous is a gripping narrative that hooks you from the start and slowly steers you into unexpected territories. It's a horror film that patiently builds tension rather than resorting to cheap scares – a moody, suspenseful trip that keeps viewers wondering until the very end.

All in all, for those who appreciate a smartly woven suspense thriller backed by a riveting storyline and powerful performances, Monstrous will be a satisfying watch. Offering a refreshing melding of genres, it tastefully combines elements of horror, thriller, suspense, and folklore to make your heart race and mind ponder long after the final credits roll.