⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Love and Monsters is one of those movies that completely caught me off guard — in the best way. I remember enjoying it the first time I watched it, but revisiting it to show my girlfriend, I honestly liked it just as much, if not more. It’s charming, funny, surprisingly heartfelt, and way better than I ever expected it to be.
Directed by Michael Matthews, the film is set in a post-apocalyptic world where giant mutated creatures have taken over the surface. Humanity has retreated underground, and we follow Joel Dawson, a regular guy who decides to risk everything to reconnect with the girl he loves. On paper, it sounds like familiar territory — but the execution is what makes this movie work.
Dylan O’Brien is the real standout here. Coming right off The Maze Runner films, this could’ve easily felt like “Thomas in another apocalypse,” but it doesn’t at all. Joel is awkward, vulnerable, and clearly out of his depth, and that difference comes entirely from O’Brien’s performance. You don’t see Thomas in Joel, and that’s a credit to how committed and natural he feels in the role.
The story itself is solid, but what really elevates it is the balance of humor and heart. These PG-13 adventure movies can sometimes lean too hard into quirkiness, but Love and Monsters mostly avoids that trap. The jokes land, the emotional beats feel earned, and the world-building is just detailed enough without becoming overwhelming.
And without giving anything away, I really love where the movie ultimately goes. The ending isn’t just about survival or romance — it’s about growth, perspective, and choosing what actually matters. It reframes the entire journey in a way that stuck with me long after the credits rolled.
Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Love and Monsters is funny, heartfelt, and genuinely enjoyable, with a great lead performance from Dylan O’Brien and a story that knows exactly what it wants to be. A pleasant surprise the first time around — and an even better watch the second time.
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