"The Monster" is a chilling and suspenseful horror film that captivated audiences in 2016. Directed by Bryan Bertino, this movie delves into the primal fears of the unknown and the unbreakable bond between a mother and daughter.
Release Date and Director: "The Monster" had its debut on October 11, 2016, under the direction of Bryan Bertino, who is known for his work in the horror genre, having previously directed "The Strangers."
Synopsis:
The film revolves around Kathy (played by Zoe Kazan), a struggling and deeply flawed mother whose relationship with her young daughter Lizzy (played by Ella Ballentine) is strained. In an attempt to drive Lizzy to her father's house, they find themselves on a remote, desolate road in the dead of night.
As they navigate the winding, eerie road, their car is suddenly damaged, leaving them stranded. In the darkness, they realize they are not alone.
A terrifying, otherworldly creature, aptly referred to as "the monster," emerges from the shadows, and the mother and daughter must fight for their lives to survive the night.
The film's narrative cleverly weaves the horror of the supernatural with the deeper horrors of a broken family, exploring themes of maternal instinct and sacrifice amidst a relentless and unknown threat.
Significance, Themes, and Why You Should Watch:
"The Monster" is significant for its ability to infuse the horror genre with emotional depth. While it delivers spine-tingling scares, it also explores the complexities of the mother-daughter relationship, emphasizing the lengths a mother is willing to go to protect her child.
The film beautifully delves into themes of fear, survival, redemption, and the transformative power of love. Its ability to balance genuine emotion with intense horror makes it a standout in the genre.
Where to Stream
United States (US):
There are currently no streaming offers in the US.
- Streaming Options: Max Amazon Channel, Max, DIRECTV
- Buying Options: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Microsoft Store, DIRECTV
- Free Options: None
Australia (AU):
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- Streaming Options: Amazon Prime Video
- Buying Options: Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fetch TV
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United Kingdom (GB):
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- Streaming Options: Amazon Prime Video
- Buying Options: Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Sky Store, Microsoft Store, YouTube
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Germany (DE):
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- Streaming Options: Home of Horror, Home of Horror Amazon Channel
- Buying Options: Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Sky Store, Rakuten TV, maxdome Store, MagentaTV
- Free Options: None
Brazil (BR):
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Spain (ES):
There are currently no streaming offers in the ES.
- Streaming Options: Amazon Prime Video
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- Free Options: None
France (FR):
There are currently no streaming offers in the FR.
- Streaming Options: Amazon Prime Video
- Buying Options: Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Orange VOD, Microsoft Store, YouTube, Canal VOD, Bbox VOD, Amazon Video
- Free Options: None
Production Details:
Directed by Bryan Bertino, "The Monster" features a small but impactful cast led by Zoe Kazan and Ella Ballentine. The film was produced by Adrienne Biddle and Bryan Bertino, and Bertino also penned the screenplay.
Filming took place in Canada, providing a gloomy, atmospheric setting for the story. The production faced challenges related to the practical effects used to bring the terrifying monster to life, which required careful planning and execution.
The film had a modest budget, but it successfully generated suspense and fear, making the most of its resources. While it didn't have a wide theatrical release, "The Monster" garnered attention for its unique blend of horror and drama.
Reception and Awards:
Critical Reception: "The Monster" received positive reviews from critics, who appreciated its eerie atmosphere, strong performances, and emotionally resonant storyline. The film was praised for its ability to elicit genuine fear and empathy.
Audience Reception: Audiences who appreciate horror films with depth found "The Monster" to be a gripping and haunting experience. It resonated with those who sought more than jump scares and were drawn to a story of maternal love in the face of terror.
Awards and Nominations: While "The Monster" didn't receive a slew of awards, it garnered critical acclaim for its ability to blend horror with a powerful emotional narrative.
Trivia and Fun Facts:
- The practical effects used to create the monster in the film were achieved through a combination of costume design and puppetry, adding a tangible and visceral quality to the creature.
- Zoe Kazan's performance as Kathy was highly praised for her portrayal of a deeply flawed but sympathetic character.
In conclusion, "The Monster" is a unique and chilling horror film that transcends the genre by diving into the depths of a fractured mother-daughter relationship.
It delivers genuine fear and tension while exploring themes of love and sacrifice in the face of an unknown terror. If you're looking for a horror film with emotional depth and a powerful storyline, "The Monster" is a compelling and haunting choice.