MOVIE: MONSTERS

When giant space-octopuses escape from the wreck of a NASA space probe into the wilderness of Central America, half of Mexico is quarantined to contain the otherworldly menace. As the military struggles to eliminate the burgeoning extraterrestrial population, an American photojournalist (Scoot McNairy) reluctantly agrees to escort his boss’ daughter (Whitney Able) through the ‘infected zone’, back to the United States. Viewers best leave their preconceptions at the cinema door – Monsters isn’t a shlocky creature-feature (as its title might suggest), but a poignant drama about two people who bond in exceptional circumstances. Concerned more with emotionally-charged storytelling than with the sci-fi genre’s predilection for visual subterfuge, British director Gareth Edwards keeps the focus squarely on Monsters’ likable (albeit disenchanted) protagonists. From their candid, often banal dialogue to their unspoken intimacy, McNairy’s charismatic rogue and Able’s wallflower ooze authenticity. Meanwhile, the graceful alien behemoths have a powerful screen presence despite few appearances; underscoring the film with a constant air of danger, yet ultimately deserving of the viewer’s sympathy. Fuelled by human intrigue, breathtaking cinematography and a Spartan use of CGI, Monsters strikes a rare balance between style and substance. (JH)

*****