This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 126! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.
Hey everyone,
I’m about to gush over a movie that completely surprised me: “Love and Monsters” (2020) by Michael Matthews. This post-apocalyptic flick isn’t your typical doom and gloom monster mash. It’s like a delicious blend of action, humor, and surprisingly heartwarming moments, all wrapped up in a visually stunning package.
Let’s set the scene: seven years after a monster apocalypse, humanity’s living underground, hiding from giant, creepy crawlies. Our protagonist, Joel (played by the ever-charming Dylan O’Brien), is stuck in a rut, pining over his high school sweetheart, Aimee (the badass Jessica Henwick), who lives 80 miles away at a coastal colony. His character is kind of like if you mixed a dash of awkwardness with a sprinkle of bravery—a recipe for someone you can’t help but root for.
After endless searching, Joel finally reconnects with Aimee over the radio (think ham radio, not Spotify!), and let’s just say sparks fly. Suddenly, the underground bunker feels extra claustrophobic. Fueled by a newfound purpose (and maybe a touch of recklessness), Joel decides to embark on a perilous journey to reunite with his love. Joel’s journey isn’t just about survival; it’s a quest for love. Sounds cheesy, but trust me, it’s the good kind of cheese. 🧀
Now, this wouldn’t be much of an adventure without some obstacles, right? Enter the “monsters” part of the movie’s title. We’re talking giant, mutated creatures that range from goofy-looking (think oversized earthworms) to downright terrifying (think sand monsters with razor-sharp teeth). These aren’t your garden-variety monsters; they’re imaginative, terrifying, and somehow, incredibly captivating. The special effects team seriously deserves a round of applause, or better yet, a standing ovation.
But what truly elevates “Love and Monsters” is the witty dialogue and the quirky characters Joel encounters along the way. There’s Minnow, a sassy, street-smart young girl who becomes Joel’s reluctant companion, and Clyde, a gruff survivalist with a heart of gold . The banter between these characters is pure gold, and their individual stories add depth and humor to the overall narrative.
I won’t spoil the ending, but let’s just say Joel’s journey to find Aimee is full of twists, turns, and close calls. He faces his fears, learns valuable lessons about friendship and courage, and maybe even discovers a hidden strength he never knew he had.
I’ve got to admit, I loved this movie way more than I thought I would. It’s a fantastic post-apocalyptic feel-good movie that doesn’t shy away from showing the harsh realities of its world, yet somehow manages to keep you smiling throughout. And Dylan O’Brien? He absolutely nailed his role. It’s like he was born to play Joel, bringing a relatable vulnerability and charm to the character that’s hard not to love.
This movie left me feeling surprisingly optimistic, even though it’s set in a post-apocalyptic world. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there’s always hope, love, and maybe even a little bit of laughter to be found.
So, if you’re looking for a feel-good movie with a healthy dose of action, adventure, and humor, “Love and Monsters” is definitely worth checking out. Just be warned, you might fall in love with Boy the dog as much as I did.
Till tomorrow — stay groovy,
Roger