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Category:    Home > Reviews > Horror > Creature > Thriller > The Monster (2016/Lionsgate Blu-ray)

The Monster (2016/Lionsgate Blu-ray)



Picture: B+ Sound: B Extras: C+ Film: C+



The Monster (2016) is the new film from writer/director Bryan Bertino (The Strangers) and is another isolation piece for the filmmaker that blurs the lines between drama and horror. The film stars relative newcomers Zoe Kazan, Ella Ballentine, and Scott Speedman.


As for the Monster itself, it's actually a guy in a suit for a change and not a digital creature, which is refreshing. Some parts of the film reminded me of Jurassic Park (in a good way) in some sequences that feature heavy offscreen monster growling, buckets of rain, and two people trapped in a car. The technique of 'not showing the monster until halfway through the second act' adds to the imagination, as well and is pretty effective. At times gory and not without some great tension, The Monster is a great film to watch at night in a darkened room.


A young mother (Kazan) and her daughter (Ballentine), hit an animal, and get stranded on a rainy night on the side of the road. When help comes, they soon realize that they aren't alone, when a hideous monster lurks outside of their car devours everything in sight. Simultaneously, the mother and daughter deal with their complicated relationship which is full of both love and hate for one another.


The problems with the film lie in the flashbacks that tell the story of the mother and daughter that are long and overly dramatic. Though decently acted in these sequences, the writing seems a little lazy. What does work is the tension that builds in the scenes with the Monster - even though how it came to be and what it is are never really explained. I found the ending a bit lackluster too after such a great buildup. All in all, the film's a bit above average and better than most films of its kind from last year.


Presented in sharp 1080p high definition with a widescreen aspect ratio of 2.39:1 and a great sounding DTS-HD MA (Master Audio) lossless 5.1 track that is standard for the format and leaves little to complain about. Much of the film takes place at night and the contrast and detail is pretty spot on. The Monster itself is black and has a very wet look that comes across great in HD and the score by TomandAndy (Resident Evil) is intense and nerve racking. A solid presentation all around.


A digital UV copy is also included.


Special Features...


"Eyes in the Darkness" featurette


Trailer



While not perfect, The Monster is a step in the right direction.



- James Lockhart

https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/


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