Photojournalist Andrew Kaulder (Scoot McNairy) is busy working
the latest hotspot in the world, Central America, when he receives a new and
extremely unusual assignment. He must escort the boss’s daughter, Samantha Wynden
(Whitney Able) back across the boarder after she’s suffered a minor injury in
town. But they’re not dealing with drug gangs or revolutionaries,
here. Six years ago, alien life was discovered within the solar system. NASA
sent a probe out to collect samples; yet it broke up over re-entry over Mexico,
the spores unleashing a vast population of wild, alien creatures, which look
like large walking octopus that glow.
In response, northern Mexico is sealed off by both the U.S. and the Mexican
authorities along the boarder between the countries. The U.S. side is protected
by a vast concrete wall that makes the Great Wall in China pale in comparison.
This sealed-off area within Mexico has become known as the Infected Zone, and it’s
teeming with aliens--as well as being constantly blasted from regular air
strikes by the U.S. Air Force in a desperate effort to try and contain the aliens.
When they’re unable to take the ferry across the Gulf Of Mexico, Andrew and Sam
have no choice but to cross the infected zone, where they get up close and
personal with the aliens--as well as with each other.
Writer/director Gareth Edwards goes for a District 9 vibe here,
with the aliens being wild animals that need to be contained. This fascinating
scenario is presented to us strictly through the eyes of Andrew and Sam, who warily try
to avoid the creatures whenever they can. However, Edwards really isn’t interested in the monsters
themselves, but the people who have been affected by their arrival. The Central
American and Mexican citizens depicted here are surprisingly resilient to these invaders. Despite
the fact that aliens (and the military that chases after them) run amok on their land, this is
still their home.
Viewers who are looking for a typical SF/horror flick where people get their heads ripped off will be disappointed. Like District 9, Monsters uses the aliens to offer some wry social commentary about current affairs. But the main thrust of the film is the budding relationship between Andrew and Sam, two disparate people who discover a common bond, thanks to their unique adventure. McNairy and Able are marvelous in the lead roles, and the whole production is very well done (especially considering it was reportedly shot on a budget just of fifteen thousand dollars). If you’re looking for a science fiction film with a novel twist, and a lot of heart, then you should give Monsters a try.
--SF
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