Love and Monsters will take you on a Monsterpocalypse adventure that is entertaining and even a little inspiring.
In an effort to save the world, the means by which it is done causes the insects on earth to mutate in such a way that they eventually dominate the world. Forced to go underground to survive, every day is a fight for their lives. Colonies are formed and life goes on but for Joel, he wants Aimee, his girlfriend from seven years ago. Surrounded by people who have become his family, Joel is looking for more and and sets off on a quest to find his girlfriend, whom he hasn’t seen in seven years.
Despite appearance, this film is not a love story. What started off as a quest for love became a quest of self discovery. He overcame his fears, learned how to hold his own and protect others and Joel became an inspiration to others. It’s not what he set out for, but it was exactly what he needed.
To tell the story, most of it happens in real time but you do get the occasional look into the past (to when it all went down) and some of the story is also told in letters written by Joel to Aimee. Given the facts that there are robots in the film. I assume that this is set sometime in the future although I wonder how far since they really had no prior interaction with them.
Between his lack of experience and all of the creepy monsters that are out there, the combination of those 2 things caused me some stress but seeing him conquer each situation (even by failing) made me proud. That’s how I know they did such a great job with casting Dylan O’Brien as Joel. I also enjoyed Michael Rooker as Clyde and Ariana Greenblat as Minnow. they were tough but had good hearts even though their comments could definitely be taken as an insult (but that’s what made them extra funny!). I tried to keep in mind that given their current circumstance, Minnow saying the occasional curse word wasn’t a big deal.
At one point you wonder why he would risk his life for a girl he hasn’t seen in seven years but sympathize because he has lost everything. Not only did he develop some pretty helpful life saving skills, he learned to appreciate the people who have become his family. So, no matter what the outcome, it’s a win win…well, unless he dies of course.
Overall Thoughts
I really enjoyed this film., Yes, the “monsters” creeped me out but that was part of the thrill. It was a good story line that not only entertained but inspired. Definitely a must see. I like that they left it open to a part 2 because I’d love to see more.
Love and Monsters, is now available at home from Paramount Pictures and available on Premium Video on Demand.
More about Love and Monsters
Seven years after the Monsterpocalypse, Joel Dawson, along with the rest of humanity, has been living underground ever since giant creatures took control of the land. After reconnecting over the radio with his high school girlfriend, Aimee, who is now 80 miles away at a coastal colony, Joel begins to fall for her again. As Joel realizes that there’s nothing left for him underground, he decides to venture out to Aimee, despite all the dangerous monsters that stand in his way.
Oh yeah… this is definitely on my must watch list now. 😁