The Monster (2016)

Release date: 2016-10-06
Country: Canada
Language: English
Director: Bryan Bertino
Production Co: Atlas Independent, Unbroken Pictures
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Rating: 5.4/10
Length: 1h 31min

Storyline

Kathy is the alcoholic and smoking addicted mother of the young, but mature teenager Lizzy. They live together since Kathy's husband Roy left her, and she neglects her daughter. Kathy is supposed to drive Lizzy to her father's home in the morning, but she sleeps until late afternoon and they have to travel during a rainy night. While driving through a lonely road through the woods, Kathy hits a wolf that breaks her car, leaving them stranded on the empty road. They call 911 and while waiting for the tow truck and an ambulance, the wolf disappears from the road. When the tow truck arrives, the mechanic Jesse tells that he needs to fix the axle and an oil leakage to tow her car. While repairing the vehicle, a monster attacks him but neither Kathy nor Lizzy note. When they seek Jesse out, they realize that they are not alone in the spot. Further, Kathy learns that monsters do exist. Will they be rescued on time?

Plot Keywords

ambulance, monster, road trip, mother daughter relationship, strong female character, strong female lead, self sacrifice, low budget

Short Review

A fully realized depiction of elemental fear and desperation, The Monster's modest scale should attract discerning genre fans while establishing a firm basis for potential cult status.