Love and Monsters
Movie Trailer
Release Date
October 16, 2020
Genre
Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Sci-Fi
Cast & Crew
- Dylan O’Brien as Joel Dawson
- Jessica Henwick as Aimee
- Michael Rooker as Clyde Dutton
- Ariana Greenblatt as Minnow
- Dan Ewing as Cap
- Ellen Hollman as Dana
- Tre Hale as Rocko
- Bruce Spence as Old Pete
Director
Michael Matthews
Other Movies Director is Known For:
- Five Fingers for Marseilles (2017)
Producer
Shawn Levy
Dan Cohen
Writer
Brian Duffield
Matthew Robinson
Budget
$30 million
Production Company
21 Laps Entertainment
Paramount Pictures
Running Time
109 minutes
Languages
English (Original)
Maturity Rating
PG-13
Content Advisory
- Intense action sequences
- Some language
- Perilous situations involving monsters
Movie Story
Love and Monsters is a post-apocalyptic adventure film set seven years after a catastrophic event where mutated monsters have taken over the Earth. The story follows Joel Dawson (Dylan O’Brien), a young man living in an underground bunker with other survivors. The world has been ravaged by a chemical fallout that caused cold-blooded animals to mutate into giant, deadly monsters, forcing the remnants of humanity to live in isolation.
Joel, who is considered a bit of a coward and ill-suited for combat, has settled into a routine life, longing for his pre-apocalypse girlfriend, Aimee (Jessica Henwick). After reconnecting with her via radio, Joel learns that Aimee is living in a coastal colony 85 miles away. Despite the danger, Joel decides to leave the safety of his bunker and embark on a perilous journey to reunite with her, determined to prove to himself that he can be brave and survive the monster-infested world.
As Joel ventures out, he encounters various monstrous creatures that test his survival skills. Along the way, he befriends a stray dog named Boy, who becomes his loyal companion. Joel also meets Clyde (Michael Rooker), a grizzled survivalist, and Minnow (Ariana Greenblatt), a precocious young girl who teach him crucial survival tactics. Through their guidance and his own determination, Joel begins to grow more confident and resourceful.
The journey is filled with both humorous and tense moments as Joel faces not only the external threats of the monsters but also the internal challenge of overcoming his fears. The film explores themes of courage, love, and personal growth, with Joel’s character development being central to the narrative. As Joel gets closer to Aimee, he learns valuable lessons about what it means to survive and the importance of building connections in a broken world.
The climax of the film involves Joel facing off against a giant monster to protect those he cares about, ultimately proving that he has the strength and heart to survive in this new world. Love and Monsters blends elements of romance, action, and comedy, resulting in a heartfelt and entertaining story of adventure and self-discovery.
Special Effects
Love and Monsters features impressive visual effects, particularly in the design and animation of the various monsters that inhabit the post-apocalyptic world. The creatures are creatively designed, with each monster possessing unique characteristics and abilities, making for thrilling and visually engaging encounters. The film also uses practical effects and on-location shooting to create an immersive and believable world, blending the fantastical elements of the story with a grounded, realistic aesthetic.
Box Office Performance
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Love and Monsters was released digitally on video-on-demand and in select theaters, followed by a Netflix release in certain regions. The film was well-received by audiences and critics alike, praised for its fun, adventurous tone, and Dylan O’Brien’s charismatic performance. Although its box office numbers were modest due to the circumstances, it found success on digital platforms and garnered a strong following.
Filming Locations
- Queensland, Australia
- Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Notable Quotes
- “You don’t have to be brave. Just be smart.” – Clyde
- “Sometimes you have to face your fear to get over it.” – Joel Dawson
- “Don’t settle. You can find happiness in the strangest, darkest places.” – Joel Dawson
Behind-the-Scenes
Director Michael Matthews aimed to create a film that balanced humor, adventure, and heart, drawing inspiration from classic adventure movies. Dylan O’Brien was cast for his ability to bring both comedic timing and emotional depth to the role of Joel, making him a relatable and engaging protagonist. The filmmakers worked with a team of visual effects artists to design the film’s unique monsters, ensuring they were both menacing and imaginative. The film’s blend of practical effects, CGI, and strong performances helped create a world that felt both fantastical and real.
Awards
- Nominated for Best Visual Effects at the 2021 Academy Awards
- Nominated for Best Sci-Fi/Fantasy Movie at the 2021 Critics’ Choice Super Awards
- Won Best Visual Effects at the 2021 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards (AACTA)
Final Verdict
Love and Monsters is a delightful and adventurous film that successfully blends elements of sci-fi, comedy, and romance. Dylan O’Brien delivers a standout performance as Joel, bringing both humor and heart to his journey of survival and self-discovery. The film’s creative monster designs, engaging story, and positive message make it a refreshing and enjoyable watch for audiences of all ages. It’s a feel-good adventure that combines thrilling action with a touching story about love, courage, and the importance of human connections in a world overrun by chaos.
IMDb Rating
7.0/10