Love and Monsters

Love and Monsters (2020) is a charming post-apocalyptic adventure film directed by Michael Matthews and starring Dylan O’Brien. Set in a world where mutated monsters have taken over the Earth, the story follows Joel Dawson, a young man who has spent seven years in an underground colony. When he reconnects via radio with his high school girlfriend Aimee, now living in a coastal colony 80 miles away, Joel decides to brave the monster-infested surface to find her. Along the way, he encounters a survival-savvy dog named Boy, a pair of tough survivors, and a series of deadly yet creatively designed creatures. The film mixes action, humor, and heart, offering a coming-of-age journey rooted in themes of bravery, loneliness, and hope. Despite a limited theatrical release due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Love and Monsters was a critical success. With a budget of about $30 million, it earned modest box office returns but became a hit on digital platforms and home video, generating over $9 million in sales. Critics praised the film’s witty script, endearing performances—especially by O’Brien—and inventive monster effects. It holds a 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes and even received an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects. The film stands out for its ability to balance light-hearted fun with emotional depth, making it a rare feel-good entry in the monster genre that appeals to both teens and adults alike.