Love and Monsters have arrived on Netflix (Australia/UK + more.) The film is super fun and, full of well-designed and interesting monsters. It sets itself in the middle of a monster apocalypse that turns a bunch of insects and reptiles into former versions of themselves. In fact, a lot of the film’s monsters reminded me of something akin to the giant worms in Tremors. The cast for this hero’s journey and action film is populated by faces such as “Teen Wolf’s” Dylan O’Brien as main man Joel, The Walking Dead’s Michael Rooker, and Aussie Home and Away star Dan Ewing.
The storyline for Love and Monsters kicks off with the world in chaos amidst life underground for small groups called Colonies. Told through the eyes of Joel this is the type of movie that has it all. His experiences of life in this world in the wake of a large explosion resulted in the decimation of most of the planet. Small flashbacks give you just enough of the important juicy details along the way and ease the audience into Joel’s complete motivation for staying alive. For 7-years he’s been underground but still carries a torch for his girlfriend who is now 80 miles away.
Mutants In Love and Monsters
The atmosphere within the frame is light-hearted. Lots of the elements made me think of films like Zombieland or Mad Max. There is the romantic interest, and the survival journey, and the Love and Monsters movie doubles back as a coming-of-age film. Joel realizes what drives him in his fear isn’t something that can hold him back. And this makes for an endearing and feel-good film. Joel even captures the heart of a small Australian kelpie called Boy, who adds to the mounting tension that something bad might happen.
Fortunately, the film never delves into sadness too much. For those who want to know the dogs’ fate, see below. What I really liked about “Love and Monsters” was its ability to keep its momentum while essentially covering all the cliches you’d expect in a film of this type. And that’s not a bad thing either because it does so with finesse and great characters that all have likable qualities. The narrative feels fresh and familiar all at the same time.
Does the Dog Die in Love and Monsters?
Nope. Not only does he not die, Boy, but the kelpie also saves Joel’s life and is still with him at the end of the film.
Overall, “Love and Monsters” is a well-crafted and entertaining movie that is worth watching. It has a good mix of action, adventure, and romance, and the performances by the cast are excellent. I would highly recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys post-apocalyptic films or action-adventure movies.
I give Love and Monsters
4 I Am Legend for softies out of 5
Don’t settle. You don’t have to. Not even at the end of the world.
Quote from Netflix’s Love and Monsters – Joel Dawson
Love and Monsters Filmmakers & Cast
- Directed by Michael Matthews (as his sophomore feature film)
- Writers: Brian Duffield (Underwater, The Babysitter) and, Matthew Robinson.
- Love and Monsters cast Dylan O’Brien, Jessica Henwick, Michael Rooker, and, Dan Ewing.
- The film released on Netflix in Australia/UK + more on the 14th of April 2021. On-Demand in the USA.
