all you need is love (and a crossbow)

A philosopher once said that the world will eventually end; the question is how we will begin again. Love and Monsters isn't too pre-occupied in answering that directly as it focuses more on the two subjects in its' title and it does so with undivided attention. Years after a global calamity causes the human race to flee underground after the insects and creatures of the world grow to monstrous sizes, a young man named Joel (Dylan O'Brien) decides to leave his colony and meet up with his distant crush Aimee (Jessica Henwick) after feeling detached from the group he lives with. The issue is everything in the outside world can eat Joel, and fear overwhelms him to the point he becomes catatonic and defenseless. Needless to say, on his own Joel is useless with little to no survival ingenuity; yet he still manages to face off against giant frogs, giant worms, giant snails, giant everything. In addition, he also learns important lessons of self-worth and how we can achieve more as a community. What I truly loved (pun intended) about Love and Monsters is it doesn't downplay its' themes of long distance relationships and perseverance, and still manages to be a pretty wicked creature feature too. The overall result is a brilliant marriage of two very contrasting themes that works thanks in part to a great supporting cast, a well written script and and a genuine leading performance by Dylan who carries the film wholeheartedly. Love and Monsters is a must see and gets my highest recommendation.