The Monster

R

Released Nov 11, 2016

1 hr. 31 min.

Horror

Mystery & Thriller

Fantasy

TRAILER

for The Monster: Trailer 1

List

79%

48 Reviews

Tomatometer

40%

2,500+ Ratings

Audience Score

A divorced mother and her headstrong daughter must make an emergency late-night road trip to see the girl's father. As they drive through deserted country roads on a stormy night, they suddenly have a startling collision that leaves them shaken but not seriously hurt. Their car, however, is dead, and as they try in vain to get help, they come to realize they are not alone -- a terrifying evil is lurking in the woods, intent on never letting them leave.

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Critics Consensus

The Monster uses its effectively simple setup and a powerful lead performance from Zoe Kazan to deliver a traditional yet subtly subversive -- and thoroughly entertaining -- horror story.

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Christian C

Wow, did that come undone in a hurry… The first 40 minutes of this movie made me think that something interesting might happen; but at a certain point, you start to know that every other character exists only to up the body count and *will* die in the dumbest ways possible. And as for the heavy-handed metaphor involving the “grand plan” at end of the movie with the surviving characters… Holy hell, was it difficult to not laugh and ask “Why the hell?…” Just monumentally disappointing. If you’re a young writer or director, just let someone else handle the other creative task to serve as some kind of check against unilateral input.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

04/25/24

Full Review

Jessica B

I expected a great thriller/horror film but instead watched the most A24 of all A24 films. Which, don't get me wrong, I love A24 films but damn did this one have a whole lotta build up with no reward. I wish I could have that 1.5 of my life back.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

04/01/24

Full Review

dale k

Anybody that is speaking even remotely good about this movie is mentally not all there.. I've never seen a worse movie in my life and I'm a flick watchn guy.. worst acting worst plot worst actress ever..

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

03/25/24

Full Review

Jeff M

I suppose it's a bit ironic that the least interesting aspect of a movie called THE MONSTER is, you guessed it, the monster. With a few changes here and there, I don't know if the actual appearance of the monster would be necessary at all. As I've mentioned in other horror movie reviews I've done, what goes unseen is much scarier than that which we see. Thankfully, the monster has limited screen time, and we are treated instead to a wonderfully tense and disturbing film that slowly and steadily builds suspense and captures our attention. The highlight of the movie is a complex and sometimes painful relationship between a mother and daughter - there are a couple incredibly emotional scenes between them that are probably the most effective of the film. Kazan at first seems a bit miscast and overplays the tough mom, but she hits her stride quickly and delivers a strong and empathetic performance. Ballentine, as the daughter, is pretty much flawless and gives one of the better youth performances I've seen recently. The bulk of the movie reminds me of one of those campfire tales that get told in the dark of night right before hitting the tents. But the flashback scenes between mom and daughter add a heft and resonance to the proceedings. With movies like this, HEREDITARY, MIDSOMMAR and THE WITCH under its belt, production company A24 is becoming the go-to for intelligent and unique horror films.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/10/24

Full Review

Alec B

Between Kazan's performance and the effective creature design there is just enough going on here to make this work.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/10/24

Full Review

Nabiha A

Such a stupid movie with a stupid plot

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

12/26/23

Full Review

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Bryan Bertino

Director

Zoe Kazan

Kathy

Scott Speedman

Roy

Ella Ballentine

Lizzy

Aaron Douglas

Jesse

Christine Ebadi

Leslie Williams

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The Monster: Trailer 1

2:14

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Kristen Yoonsoo Kim

Complex

The Monster lacks bite in the actual horror department, but like many other good horror films before it (Rosemary's Baby, The Shining), it plays with the anxiety of this very primal fear-the betrayal of the mother.

Feb 22, 2017

Full Review

Justin Lowe

Hollywood Reporter

A fully realized depiction of elemental fear and desperation, The Monster's modest scale should attract discerning genre fans while establishing a firm basis for potential cult status.

Nov 12, 2016

Full Review

Brian Tallerico

RogerEbert.com

A film like Bryan Bertino's The Monster, featuring a fantastic and fearless performance from Zoe Kazan, feels oddly timely.

Rated: 3/4

Nov 11, 2016

Full Review

Patrick Cavanaugh

The Wolfman Cometh

Makes for an effective experience in which emotional trauma is manifested into a living, breathing terror.

Rated: 3/5

May 12, 2023

Full Review

Jordy Sirkin

Jordy Reviews It

Part creature feature, part family drama, The Monster is a moderate horror film that favors a slower pace.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 2, 2021

Full Review

Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

At least the decision to use practical man-in-a-suit effects proves to be far better than CG alternatives.

Rated: 5/10

Dec 5, 2020

Full Review

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Synopsis

A divorced mother and her headstrong daughter must make an emergency late-night road trip to see the girl's father. As they drive through deserted country roads on a stormy night, they suddenly have a startling collision that leaves them shaken but not seriously hurt. Their car, however, is dead, and as they try in vain to get help, they come to realize they are not alone -- a terrifying evil is lurking in the woods, intent on never letting them leave.

Director: Bryan Bertino
Executive Producer: Richard Suckle, Sonny Mallhi
Screenwriter: Bryan Bertino
Distributor: A24
Production Co: Atlas Independent
Rating: R (Language|Some Violence/Terror)
Genre: Horror, Mystery & Thriller, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 11, 2016, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 9, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $12.1K

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