I am a huge fan of the thought-provoking Gareth Edwards film Monsters released in 2010. Even though it's been 14 years since it was released, I still regularly find my inner cinephile hankering after this stone cold classic, or at the very least craving a wee read around the subject matter, perhaps open up the Wikipedia page or find a YouTube analysis of the film.
Why is Monsters so good?
As well as an unwavering sense of nostalgia that keeps me returning to this film, there's also a hypnotic je ne sais quoi about Monsters that keeps it fresh no matter how many times I revisit this work of art. Maybe it's that I was an impressionable young whippersnapper in the year 2011 when I first discovered Monsters, or the fact that Gareth Edwards were absolutely at the top of their game when they released said film. It's hard to pinpoint something so transcendental. Once you love a piece of art you become faithful to it's ethos.
Monsters is a film that is still relevant
One thing's for sure though, Monsters has stood the test of time and then some. It remains as powerful and relevant today as it did in 2010. And why wouldn't it? With compelling, slow-burning storytelling like that, it's no wonder people return to this film again and again. I can't imagine life without it John.
Gareth Edwards knocked it out the park
But it's not just the compelling, slow-burning storytelling that make this film great. It's the overall package. The excellent, understated performances by Scoot McNairy and Whitney Able is a tour de force. The imaginative, world-building approach to the alien invasion genre is integral, as is the stunning visuals achieved on a low budget. And who can forget emotionally resonant, bittersweet ending. When Gareth Edwards created this timeless classic, never mind the ball park, they knocked this one out of the solar system. This bad boy is in danger of bothering Voyager.
Has Monsters stood the test of time?
Of course, there are other films out there to be argued for. Harder, better, faster, stronger. Some might argue that The Mandalorian is better than Monsters, or that Jon Favreau is better than Gareth Edwards. They may well have a point. But for me, Monsters will always hold a special place in my heart. And 14 years tickling the meridian response does not lie.
Monsters in conclusion
To sum up, Monsters is a wonderful thing, a film of unrivalled quality. It's a film that has etched itself into the psyche, distributing untold tingles up the spine, hogging synapses and monopolising neurons that could otherwise be put to use appreciating more important, or perhaps more useful information. But no matter what life throws at me, I know I can always rely on Monsters to deliver the goods.