The Monster

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2:14

The Monster

R

2016

1h 31m

Horror

Mystery & Thriller

Fantasy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

81%

Tomatometer

48 Reviews

40%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

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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Kristen Yoonsoo Kim

Complex

02/22/2017

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.

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Justin Lowe

The Hollywood Reporter

11/12/2016

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.

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Brian Tallerico

RogerEbert.com

11/11/2016

3/4

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

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Jeremy Aspinall

Radio Times

Oct 15

4/5

Bertino ekes out the suspense meticulously - the constant thrumming of rainfall and a subtly insistent score adding to an already unsettling atmosphere.

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Patrick Cavanaugh

The Wolfman Cometh

05/12/2023

3/5

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

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Jordy Sirkin

Jordy Reviews It

01/02/2021

3/5

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

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Ian S

@RT48225084 1d

The acting from the two leads was good but it was all pretty predictable once the violence started. The domestic scenes early in the film were more hard hitting emotionally. Not a bad watch just fairly average story wise. Pretty simple set up.

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Russell H

@RT85733992 Mar 16

This was acted superbly. However I was looking for horror and got tears. I'm not into sad movies but I liked thr atmosphere, tenseness, and acting by the two leads. Just a little too emotional for me.

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Music Videos I

@Movieguy1977 Mar 5

The low audience score, along with some of the comments I’ve read here proves why Hollywood doesn’t really try anymore. This is a thoughtful slow burn, with character development and redemption. And a creature that’s worth the wait.

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Matthew G.

@Matticus Mar 2

Feels like they didn’t even try… even the title “The Monster” pretty much sums it up… there is a monster. That’s about it. Boring movie that literally goes nowhere but tries to grasp at some sort of emotional backstory but never actually makes you care.

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Ken H

@Mtnman1953 Dec 22

Not very good! How long can a guy survive with his arm bite off! Why did the tow truck driver stay so long under the car? Just hook up a go!! Boring!!!

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Jen H.

@Nifer01 Nov 7

Zoe and Ella delivered spectacular performances in this very simple yet emotional story.

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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

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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
Producer: William Green, Aaron L. Ginsburg, Bryan Bertino, Adrienne Biddle
Screenwriter: Bryan Bertino
Distributor: A24
Production Co: Atlas Independent
Rating: R (Some Violence/Terror|Language)
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
Runtime: 1h 31m

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