Love and Monsters
2020 · Directed by Michael Matthews
Original language: English
- adventure
- comedy
- fantasy
The story
Seven years since the Monsterpocalypse began, Joel Dawson has been living underground in order to survive. But after reconnecting over radio with his high school girlfriend Aimee, Joel decides to venture out to reunite with her, despite all the dangerous monsters that stand in his way.
What it’s like
Bright, saturated daylight over overgrown wastelands: sun-bleached greens and rust, lurid monster designs rendered in glossy CGI, and a camera that loves a sweeping wide shot of a ruined coastline or a dripping forest canopy. The mood is a sunny, goofy adventure with a warm, earnest heart, playful rather than bleak, with synth-tinged pop and jaunty needle-drops that keep the pace bouncing. Early scenes sit underground in cramped, lamp-lit bunkers, giving way to open road and wild country as the hero gains confidence. The emotional register is light and optimistic, following a nervous young man who slowly grows braver on his way toward a long-held hope. Monster violence is frequent but cartoonish and bloodless-looking, with creature attacks, sudden jump-scares and some stomach-turning gross-out gags rather than gore; there is some mild swearing and a brief romantic kiss, no sexual content. Good for a lighthearted weekend watch with friends, or for anyone who wants a fun, creature-filled road movie with a sweet, uplifting core and dry, self-aware humour.
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