★★★★★★★★★★ 6/10

6 years ago, NASA discovered life in our solar system. When a probe containing samples crashes into Northern Mexico, new life-forms start appearing. They’re not friendly and it turns the top third of the Mexico into a Quarantine Zone.

The aliens have bioluminescence and can be massive, some getting to a 100 meters tall. Are they sentient or are they more like animals? One thing is clear, they’re reproducing at an alarming rate. Americans are using chemical weapons against the aliens, trying to stem their growth. However, it renders the are toxic.

Sam (Whitney Able) is stuck in central Mexico, south of the infected zone. She’s running from something. Possibly her impending marriage or her over-protective dad. Photo journalist Andrew’s (Scoot McNairy) works for Samantha’s dad. He’s in the area hoping to take pictures of a live alien creature, but he’s directed to safely escort his bosses daughter to the USA.

Able was mesmerizing, she looks like a young natural-looking Cameron Diaz, but with better acting skills. McNairy was good as well, playing the sensitive but streetwise photographer.  The character’s relationship remained subtle through the film and was done well.

This is a great looking film and made for only $15,000. Films costing a 1,000 or 5,000 times don’t even look this good. Gareth Edwards the creator of this work, did almost everything but be the sound guy. Respect.

Monster shares the same space genre-wise as Cloverfield and District 9, but it’s like neither. It also doesn’t have all it’s science right, with more than a few cringe worthy scenes.

If you watch this film expecting an alien invasion movie, it will disappoint. If you were expecting a talky romance that had the occasional giant alien, then you’re in luck.

aliens, Central America, creatures, film, info, Mexico, military, monsters, movie, nasa, outer space, photo journalist, review, Romance, VIFF 2010 Mexico, Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy