- Director : Matt Vesely
- Actors : Lily Sullivan
- Subtitles: : English
- Language : English (DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1)
- Studio : Well Go Usa
- MPAA rating : R (Restricted)
- Country of Origin : Australia
- Number of discs : 1
- Media Format : Blu-ray
- Run time : 1 hour and 34 minutes
- Release date : April 23, 2024
Independent genre
films often face the difficult task of competing with the large budgets
afforded similar films produced with studio money. Because of this, independent
filmmakers have to get even more creative with their narratives and the
execution of genre expectations. While Monolith creates an effective
chamber piece out of common science-fiction narrative tropes, with only slight
variation, the execution is about as exciting as one might expect from a film
set entirely in a single location.
In addition to
having little variety in setting, the narrative only includes one visible
character, with voices on the telephone serving as the primary source of
tension. While this can work, it is rare for a film with this many restrictions
to be as effective as one with a less gimmicky narrative framework. The film joins
an unnamed disgraced journalist (Lily Sullivan) who has retreated to her
parents’ remote estate to work on an investigative piece for an online website.
After being sent an anonymous tip about a mysterious black brick, the journalist
discovers a trend in these mysterious devices showing up for decades, with nobody
able to provide answers about their origin or function.
Although the film
is slow to reveal information, all conveyed through phone conversation rather
than visual storytelling, it is clear early on that are either supernatural or extraterrestrial
explanations are implied. When the film finally does reveal answers to the
mystery, they are sadly derivative. Despite initially appearing to be a unique
concept, once the secrets of the black bricks are finally revealed to the interviewer,
the resulting climax is not much different than any number of Invasion of
the Body Snatchers rip-offs.
Fans of low
budget sci-fi are likely to appreciate the quiet ambition of Monolith,
even if it requires more patience than the average movie-goer is likely accustomed
to from a genre film. The film also features an impressive performance from
Sullivan, who is only helped by a handful of voices on the other end of phone
calls. While I had hoped for a more suspenseful climax and more satisfying resolution,
Monolith is not without its charms.
The Blu-ray
release for Monolith has a surprisingly decent collection of special
features, though there is little need for high-definition presentation in this
simplistic narrative. In addition to a promotional behind-the-scenes
featurette, the Blu-ray also includes a commentary track featuring writer Lucy Campbell,
producer Bettina Hamilton, and director Matt Vesely. There is also a trailer.
Entertainment Value:
5/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 6.5/10
Historical
Significance: 3/10
Special Features: 7.5/10
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