Watch Monsters

In "Monsters," directed by Gareth Edwards, the world has been disrupted by a space probe that returned with alien organisms. These organisms have since spread and mutated, creating large areas known as Infected Zones. Andrew Kaulder (Scoot McNairy), a photojournalist, is tasked with escorting his employer's daughter, Samantha Wynden (Whitney Able), back to the United States from Mexico. However, the two become stranded in Mexico due to an outbreak of monsters.

Kaulder and Wynden have to navigate through the infected zone to make it to the U.S. border in time for a scheduled ferry. As they travel together, they begin to develop a relationship, which is complicated by the fact that Wynden is engaged.

In its simplest form, "Monsters" is a road trip movie set in an apocalyptic world. However, the film never relies on the monster gimmick to carry the story. It is a story of human nature, survival, and love. The two main characters are thrown together and forced to rely on one another in a dangerous and unpredictable world.

The film's pacing is slow and deliberate, allowing the audience to take in the scenery and emotions the characters are experiencing. The cinematography is beautiful and immersive, with Edwards filming in real locations to give the film a sense of authenticity.

The monsters themselves are not the main focus of the film, and they are rarely seen. The audience learns more about them through the reactions of the characters and the destruction they leave in their wake. This minimalist approach adds to the film's tension by making the audience wonder when the monsters will appear and what the characters will do to survive.

McNairy and Able both give excellent performances as the lead characters. Their chemistry is evident on-screen, and their characters' development feels natural and unforced. McNairy's character, Kaulder, is initially abrasive and standoffish, while Able's character, Wynden, is more optimistic and adventurous. As their journey progresses, they begin to open up and reveal their vulnerabilities to one another.

The film also touches on themes of immigration and government intervention. The Infected Zones are located within Mexico, and the United States has placed a border wall to contain the monsters from spreading. The wall has effectively trapped those living in the Infected Zone, leaving them at the mercy of the creatures. The film's commentary on immigration is subtle but adds depth to the film's world-building.

One of the most impressive aspects of "Monsters" is its production value. The film was made on a relatively small budget of $500,000 but looks like it cost much more. Edwards relied on practical effects and real locations to give the film a gritty and realistic feel. Some scenes were even improvised, with the actors responding to real-world situations.

Overall, "Monsters" is an impressive film that should not be missed. It is a refreshing take on the apocalyptic genre and tells a story that is deeply human in its exploration of relationships and survival. Edwards' minimalist approach to the monsters adds tension and makes the film all the more effective at capturing the audience's attention. The performances of McNairy and Able are excellent, and their chemistry is palpable. It is a small-budget film that feels like a blockbuster, and is proof that a good idea and strong execution can elevate any film.

Monsters is a 2010 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 63.