Monsters

Every so often, a film comes along that really demonstrates the principle that good work does not require a budget of nine figures or A-list stars.

It's striking, though, when the subject matter requires the significant use of special effects. "Monsters" by Gareth Edwards is an example of such a film.

The premise is quite simple. Six years after a space probe containing evidence of extra-terrestrial life crash lands in Central America, the northern half of Mexico is a quarantined "infected zone". Two Americans must cross the zone to get home.

Using a mostly non-professional cast and an economical use of effects, the story focuses on the couple rather than unleashing the weaponry. Interestingly enough, the film breaks one of the cardinal rules of monster movies by showing the creature in the opening scenes of the film.

The film has a Canadian release date (Nov 5), so it will get a chance to be seen by a wider audience.

One other side note - while we were waiting outside the Ryerson theatre, a couple of people cam round and handed out T-shirts to the people in line. It's been a while since I've been at a TIFF where "stuff" ha been handed out. A pleasany surprise (especially since it provided an extra layer on a cool and breezy evening!)
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