For this year’s 31 Nights of Horror Challenge, the Night 20 prompt is Monster in the Title. We watched the movie The Monster on HBO Max.
Storyline
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 on these desolate backroads–a terrifying evil is lurking in the surrounding woods, intent on never letting them leave.
Our Thoughts on The Monster (2016)
This film is not horrible. Zoe Kazan and Ellie Ballantine are both talented actresses. Like the Babadock, the movie uses a creature as a metaphor for a human condition – in this case, alcoholism and the fear of it. The monster scenes are interspersed with flashbacks between the volatile relationship between mother and daughter, characterized by screaming, hiding, hating, loving, and helping. The film may not please everyone – less so hardcore horror fans I believe. But those who can relate to single parenthood, addiction, the challenges between mother and daughter, may find it poignant.
6 out of 10
Trivia
A paved stretch of road with working streetlamps was built in the woods by the production crew for use in the film.
So what do you think? How many of these Dracula movies have you seen? Do you have any others to add to the list? Let us know in the comments section and please consider joining our Facebook page, Scary Movies at the Fort. Each October we host the 31 Nights of Horror. Check us out.
Also, be sure to check out our Complete List of Frankenstien, Wolfman, and The Mummy, and Universal Monster Movies.
