Love and Monsters is a surprisingly fantastic film! A post-apocalyptic monster movie that can border on the cringy side, this film delivers heart and humanity to both humans and monsters alike. But is it appropriate for kids? Check out my parents guide!
In all honesty, when I was given the screener for this movie and looked at the name “Love and Monsters,” I was not expecting much. In fact, I was expecting a cringe-worthy movie with a weak plot and goofy, over-the-top monster fighting scenes. I promise I will never judge a movie by its title again! The cleverly written story doesn’t lack in monster bashing, but it will also move one to tears. It has romance, self-discovery, and, most of all, humanity for all creatures. But parents ask, Is it appropriate for kids? Let us dissect it in this parents guide movie review!
The film stars Dylan O’Brien (Joel), Jessica Henwick (Aimee), Michael Rooker (Clyde), Dan Ewing (Cap), Ariana Greenblatt (Minnow), Ellen Hollman (Dana), Tre Hale (Rocko), and Pacharo Mzembe (Ray). It was written by Brian Duffield and Matthew Robinson and directed by Michael Matthews.
Love And Monsters quotes
Love And Monsters Parents Guide
Parents first need to know that Love and Monsters is a post-apocalyptic adventure mixing in a bit of romance and fun. Seven years ago, an asteriod was heading for planet Earth, and in an attempt to destroy it before it hits Earth, the world banded together to launch missiles at it. In doing so, the chemicals from the missiles rained down on Earth and turned insects and other cold-blooded creatures into these massive monsters.
Fast forward to present time: 98% of humans are left on Earth, and those remaining have taken shelter in bunker colonies. Joel Dawson (Dylan O’Bryan) is one survivor who reconnects with high school sweetheart Aimee (Jessica Henwick) over a radio transmission. After a member of his colony is killed by an invading monster, Joel decides to set out to find Aimme and hopefully rekindle that love.
Love and Monster Age Rating Parents Guide
Let’s take a look at what concerned parents need to know about the age ratings of the series before letting their younger children watch Love and Monsters.
Language: Love and Monsters contains some strong language that parents may find inappropriate for young kids. Lookout words include sh*t, a**, and d*mn.
Mature Content: You would think a film with the term “monsters” in the title may be a bit scary for kids. Rest assured, it is not. While there are a few intense moments and certainly violent scenes, as I mention, a monster killed a member of Joel’s colony. These monsters are not the “scary” monsters you might assume they would be. They are big and a bit ridiculous-looking, but not scary. The biggest concern may be the nastiness left when killed; think monster guts splattered everywhere.
Yes, this story is a romantic film on love; however, there are not many sexual scenes. We do see one at the beginning of the film, as Joel mentions the bunker not having much privacy and then walks in on his bunker-mates about to get frisky, but no nudity is shown. The only other part I can think of is a flashback with Joel and Aimee. Right before missiles are shot at the asteriod, there is a scene where they are stopped short of “getting it on” in a car.
Age Rating of the Movie Love and Monsters: Paramount Pictures Love and Monsters movie ratings has a PG-13 rating by the Motion Picture Association of America – MPAA ratings – for action violence, language and some suggestive material and the parental guidelines advisory recommends it for mature audiences, an older audience, an adult audience, young people, young adults, older kids, and teens aged 13 years and older. The suggestion of parental guidance or a legal guardian (adult guardian) for this restricted PG-13 category is highly suggested for young children, teenage children. and younger viewers under 13 years of age in this PG-13-rated motion picture for adult material. The minimum age recommendation is 13 years old. The film does not contain any sexual content.
Overall Thoughts
Love and Monsters was one of the best surprises of the year, as far as films are concerned! It has the monster fights to satisfy those action buffs out there, but it is the heart and message of the film that will win viewers over. It is a story of self-discovery and the search for happiness, regardless of the grim situation one may be in. And, to be honest, we can all use a positive message like that now more than ever.
This story is also one of humanity and the humanity found in all creatures. We see the personal struggles of the survivors: “We lost a lot of people over the years. You would think you got numb to it after a certain point. You don’t.” We see a bit of humanity in the monsters. “They’re very sensitive, you know? But they will crush your a** in a second.” But most of all, we see the strength and perseverance in mankind: “I’m alive because of the generosity of a few strangers and the kindness of a dog.”
And that, my friends, will get us through the darkest times, even the end of the world.
