Love and Monsters
“Love and Monsters” is a 2020 post-apocalyptic adventure film directed by Michael Matthews, with a screenplay by Brian Duffield and Matthew Robinson. The film stars Dylan O’Brien, Jessica Henwick, Michael Rooker, and Ariana Greenblatt. Combining elements of romance, comedy, and adventure, “Love and Monsters” presents a unique take on the monster movie genre.
The story is set seven years after the “Monsterpocalypse,” a cataclysmic event in which chemical fallout from a destroyed asteroid mutated cold-blooded animals into massive, deadly monsters. Humanity now lives in underground bunkers to avoid the surface-dwelling creatures.
Joel Dawson (Dylan O’Brien) is a survivor living in an underground colony. Despite his safe but mundane existence, Joel feels isolated and yearns for a deeper connection. He maintains radio contact with his high school girlfriend, Aimee (Jessica Henwick), who is living in a coastal colony 85 miles away. When Joel learns that Aimee’s colony is in danger, he decides to brave the monster-infested world to reunite with her, despite his lack of survival skills.
During his journey, Joel encounters various monsters and forms unlikely friendships. He meets Clyde (Michael Rooker) and Minnow (Ariana Greenblatt), a survivalist duo who teach him essential survival skills and offer him advice. Joel also bonds with a stray dog named Boy, who becomes his loyal companion.
As Joel overcomes numerous challenges and grows more confident in his abilities, he finally reaches Aimee’s colony. However, he discovers that things are not as he expected. Aimee’s colony is threatened by a new danger, and Joel must use everything he has learned to protect his friends and find a way to create a new, safer life above ground.
“Love and Monsters” received positive reviews from critics and audiences. It was praised for its engaging story, charming performances, particularly by Dylan O’Brien, and its balance of humor, romance, and adventure. The film’s visual effects and world-building were also highlighted as strengths.
The film was released in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected its traditional theatrical release. However, it found success through digital platforms and video on demand, garnering a significant viewership and positive word-of-mouth.
“Love and Monsters” stands out as a refreshing and heartwarming addition to the monster movie genre, offering a blend of romance, adventure, and comedy. Its positive reception and unique approach to the post-apocalyptic narrative have made it a memorable and beloved film for audiences. The film’s success in digital distribution also highlighted the potential for alternative release strategies during challenging times for the film industry.
