‘Monstrous’ Film Review – CB

Christina Ricci performs a troubled mom in Monstrous, a supernatural thriller that premiered within the FrightFest strand of the Glasgow Movie Competition and was lately acquired by Display Media for North America. Written by Carol Chrest (The Prophet’s Sport) and directed by Chris Sivertson (The Misplaced, I Know Who Killed Me), it morphs from fashionable psychological drama to creature characteristic, delivering an affect that’s finest appreciated after the credit roll.

The immaculately-dressed Laura (Ricci) drives her turquoise Chevy to a distant new house in California. Together with her is her seven-year-old son, Cody (Santino Barnard). They begin to settle in, however sinister telephone calls point out that Laura’s abusive husband is intent on monitoring them down. In the meantime, Cody turns into fascinated by the close by lake, the place he claims a monster is lurking.

A lot rests on robust performances from Ricci and Barnard, and each ship turns that hold the eye and play with the script’s ambiguities.

Retro styling can also be key: it is a purposefully idealized model of the ’50s, from the brightly coloured flared clothes to The Chordettes’ “Mr Sandman.” The pop hits are alternated with an ominous rating from composer Tim Rutili — it’s clear that each one will not be as rosy because it might sound on the streets of the small city close by, the place individuals shoot suspicious glances at Laura and her son.

Visually, the monster attracts from applicable sources akin to ’50s B motion pictures, and its position ultimately turns into clear. But it surely has combined success when it comes to horror scares. Monstrous is a type of tough movies that performs a little bit slowly, however invitations a second viewing after the pay-off. Nonetheless, it’s a quietly thought frightening watch that may resonate with those that connect with its themes.