Love and Monsters – Review

New takes on post-apocalyptic scenarios are running thin, however Love and Monsters finds a way to present a well-balanced take on a world full of mutated creatures. With a society-ending event transforming the land, survivors must find a way to cope.

Living underground in a bunker society, Joel (O’Brien) has a long-distance “relationship” with high-school sweetheart (Henwick) who lives in another fortification across the mutated lands. After he loses radio contact with her group, the hapless and anxiety-ridden Joel sets off on a journey to find her.

Joel pairs up with a bad-ass dog who he meets along the way, and the team work together to face off against giant creatures. While the “and Monsters” element of the title does in-fact play a large role in the film’s journey, overall, the story sticks to humor, subtle human interactions, and themes of conquering your fears. It never gets “too” serious, but the humor does not take away from the mild anxiety presented with the scariness of the loss of society.

The movie was somewhat overlooked by a COVID impacted release and I am sure has found somewhat of an audience, however it deserves more attention. The actors play it seriously, and the balanced script has something for everyone. The film is a mostly harmless adventure, with some cool ideas and fun lines.