THE MONSTER
A24
2016 Color
91 Mins.
Horror/Thriller
Zoe Kazan, Ella Ballentine and Scott Speedman star.
Written and Directed by Bryan Bertino
Rated R for language, violence and gore.
This movie is powerful. I was a huge fan of Bryan Bertino's The Strangers. I found his execution inspired. His slow burn technique produced some of the most horrific moments in genre history. And than a few years later he reemerged with Mockingbird. A huge piece of cinematic dreck. But he has redeemed himself with his brilliant new film. A hopeful representation of what's to come from this very talented film maker. Now I may be overhyping it a little. Although I was really impressed with the trailer I had modified expectations going in even though there was lots of solid buzz (the film currently sits at 80% positive on rotten tomatoes) and I was overly impressed.
The film centers on a troubled young mother and her daughter and their toxic relationship. In real time she is driving the young girl to her fathers where she will live because the mother struggles with alcoholism amongst many other immature traits. Along the elongated trip due to constant cigarette breaks so the mother can stretch out the proceedings. There is a big storm and they end up seemingly crashing into a wolf. But upon further inspection they discover it looks to have been mauled by some kind of wild animal. They of course call for help which is unsuccessful when the man is brutally attacked by a large unidentifiable creature. Terrified they are stuck in the car and need to find a way to get help so they can survive.
Although the film is suspenseful, it's not too scary. When the creature finally comes into view it leaves something to be desired. What makes the film work so well is the drama surprisingly enough. And there is some really strong stuff here. With each flashback of their painful relationship the proceedings become more and more immersive as you care about these very well drawn characters.
The movie is darkly lit throughout and Bertino smartly keeps the creature in it for most of the films run time. As the film progresses towards it's aggressive and heartfelt finale the scares, suspense and emotion are amped up leaving viewers stunned with a new insight on how the movie works on many levels. The performances from Zoe Kazan and Ella Ballantine as the mother and daughter are award worthy. There are some scenes that are so hard to watch and it's just unbelievable that they would exist in a genre film. The film's cinematography is appropriately dark but has some truly inspired touches throughout such as the gorgeous bathroom scene and that last shot. The screenplay and direction from Bertino are brilliant even though the horror aspect doesn't work as well as the dramatic side of things. Still make no mistake this is a horror film and you should expect nothing less. In the end The Monster is a film that really deserved a wide, theatrical release. It's a solid, unique horror experience that deserves to be widely seen and all the people associated with it deserve the attention and acclaim they would have gotten if it wasn't dumped to a direct TV, VOD release. So let's try and remedy that by getting the word out. ****.75/5
47 METERS DOWN
Dimension
2016 Color
87 Mins.
Horror/Thriller
Mandy Moore, Matthew Modine, and Clare Holt star.
Written and Directed by Johannes Roberts
N/R contains strong language, violence and gore.
47 Meters down which was also known as In the Deep last year is without a doubt the best killer shark movie since Jaws. Now I know that's a big statement and trust me I'm an underwater horror movie kinda guy. And to be honest I do tend to enjoy most of them from Deep Blue Sea to the unintentionally funny Shark Night and the camptastic Sharknado movies. I even liked the Shallows though I found it to be a bit lackluster. However, this film friggin delivers.
And the wait is finally over on June 16th and trust me this is one you don't want to miss. The movie centers on two sisters, Lisa and Kate who are on a trip in Mexico. Lisa is just coming out of a relationship and has decided to try and make herself more interesting by partying it up in paradise. Lisa whose a bit more adventurous steers them towards two spunky Latin hunks who suggest they go great white shark diving of which they agree. Once on the boat Lisa starts to regret her decision but is pressured by Kate to "make herself more interesting". She of course agrees and that's when the nightmare begins.
Because as soon as they are plunged into the icy water filled with gliding monsters the chain to their cage breaks and they plummet 47 meters down into the dark depths of the ocean. With their air decreasing and surrounded by the sharks they must try and survive before it's too late. There's absolutely so much to love about this movie. Johannes Roberts of the recent, under rated The Other Side of the Door scores big time this go around. The movie is packed with a sweaty palm inducing, seat clenching, dread inducing atmosphere throughout.
He expertly moves through the film ratcheting up the tension and development where it really counts. Kate played by Clare Holt is likable and Lisa portrayed by a very solid Mandy Moore is so believable turning in some of the best work of her career. The sharks are smartly kept in the dark but when they do emerge there more striking than any seen in quite some time. Beautifully filmed with haunting cinematography and a anxiety elevating enhancing score 47 Meters Down stands as a modern classic.
Originally it was to be dumped to VOD last year but after some critical reactions a company picked up the film and now we are all in for a treat. It's definitely the kind of film worth the money on the big screen. Packed to the brim with horrific visuals and edge of your seat suspense I can only imagine how seeing this film with a packed audience will be! So rush out and see it, it's way better than last summer's sleeper hit The Shallows! This is the one we've been waiting for! ****.75/5
