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The Monster

Play trailer 2:14 Poster for The Monster R 2016 1h 31m Horror Mystery & Thriller Fantasy Play Trailer Watchlist
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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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The Monster

The Monster

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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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Critics Reviews

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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. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Ian S @RT48225084 Apr 2 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. See more 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. See more 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. See more 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. See more 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!!! See more Jen H. @Nifer01 Nov 7 Zoe and Ella delivered spectacular performances in this very simple yet emotional story. See more Read all reviews
The Monster

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Cast & Crew

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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

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The Monster

The Monster: Trailer 1 The Monster: Trailer 1 2:14 View more videos
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The Monster

Zoe Kazan as Kathy in "The Monster." (L-R) Ella Ballentine as Lizzy and Zoe Kazan as Kathy in "The Monster." (L-R) Zoe Kazan as Kathy and Scott Speedman as Roy in "The Monster." Ella Ballentine as Lizzy in "The Monster." A scene from "The Monster." The Monster (2016) The Monster (2016) The Monster (2016) The Monster (2016) View more photos

Movie Info

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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