Despite Its Seemingly Basic Premise, 'Love and Monsters' Is a Delightful, Uplifting Standout

Love and Monsters is set in a post-apocalyptic world wherein a chemical fallout had mutated cold-blooded animals, such as bugs and amphibians, into giant monsters.  Seven years later, these monsters have taken over the world, and the few remnants of humanity are now living in underground bunkers called “colonies.”

The plot centers on a young man named Joel Dawson (Dylan O’Brien).  Although he can’t contribute much to his colony as he can’t help but freeze up whenever there’s a monster, he’s quite beloved by his companions.  Nevertheless, he still feels lonely since everyone in the colony has found his or her soulmate except for him.  But after discovering by radio that his high school girlfriend Aimee (Jessica Henwick), whom he got separated seven years ago during the height of the apocalypse, is in a coastal colony 80 miles away from where he is, he decides to set out on perilous journey across monster-infested lands so that he can finally reunite with her.

The premise seems so basic.  However, the movie is actually far more enjoyable than what it seems to be on paper.  Yes, there are a lot of clichés involved in this movie.  But they are presented with engaging execution and adequately fresh spins, that they become favorable contributors toward crafting this movie into an overwhelmingly fun whole.

A major factor why this movie is so appealing is its winsome main character, Joel.  He arguably starts off as a loser – clumsy, inept, weak, and naïve.  However, even then, there’s something lovable about him.  He’s a lovable loser.

A huge reason is likely because of Dylan O’ Brien’s portrayal.  I always find him likable in the few movies I’ve seen him in (the first Maze Runner film and American Assassin).  I think he deserves to have more lead roles.  Anyway, his portrayal of Joel really made the character easy to root for.

Then, in the process of his quest, Joel undergoes some very compelling character development.  His rise from someone being puny to someone being seasoned, well-versed, and capable is somewhat quick and implausible.  But it doesn’t matter.  You will still buy it for you are satisfied by it.  Furthermore, his arc is compelling, not only because of the competence he gains from it, but more importantly, because of the insights and wisdom he gains from it.

Another prominent charm of this movie is its well-realized world.  Although there’s nothing novel about the idea of a world that has been overrun by mutated animals, the amazing creature designs and the subtleties and aesthetics of the sets totally paint a cool, exciting post-apocalyptic monster-infested world.  In addition, on top of presenting thrilling set pieces, the choice of creatures and deadly experiences that Joel encounters in his journey also efficiently fleshes out this world.

Enhancing this movie’s substance is its surprising emotional richness.  You kind of don’t expect this kind of movie to have such depth.  But it has.  It has a thoroughly emotionally-investing narrative that beautifully touches on thematic beats that are wholesome, heartwarming, and moving.  And in the end, it leaves an optimistic message that I feel is timely.

It basically preaches a sentiment that’s somewhat reminiscent of a C.S. Lewis’ essay about the fear of the atom bomb.  An excerpt from it goes like this:

“This is the first point to be made: and the first action to be taken is to pull ourselves together. If we are all going to be destroyed by an atomic bomb, let that bomb when it comes find us doing sensible and human things—praying, working, teaching, reading, listening to music, bathing the children, playing tennis, chatting to our friends over a pint and a game of darts—not huddled together like frightened sheep and thinking about bombs. They may break our bodies (a microbe can do that) but they need not dominate our minds.”

(Come to think of it, President Trump said the same thing.  “Don’t be afraid of Covid.  Don’t let it dominate your life.”  Lol.)

That’s a pretty relevant message for our post-Covid world, isn’t it?  Don’t discount or deny the danger.  But, at the same time, don’t withdraw from society.  Don’t spend the rest of your life consumed in paranoia and fear.  Of course, take precautions.  Be vigilant.  But continue to live out the risky-yet-rewarding, bittersweet human experience.

To sum it up, Love and Monsters is an engrossing, endearing sci-fi action-adventure comedy film that, despite having a trope-y premise, avoids being something derivative, but has instead managed to be a standout through presenting an emotionally-satisfying character-driven narrative, immersive worldbuilding, and an uplifting, relatable message.

Truly, it’s one of the most delightful and notable films I’ve seen in 2020.