Reviews: The Monster (2016) Movie Review / Ending Explained / FAQs
Genres: Horror, Drama, Fantasy
Subgenres: Creatures, Survival, Isolation, Single Moms, Wilderness, A24
Our honest review of The Monster (2016) breaks down its scares, pacing, and whether this horror movie truly stands the test of time.
The Monster (2016) – A Raw, Claustrophobic Creature Feature with a Haunting Emotional Core
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
The Monster (2016) sinks its teeth into more than just your average creature-feature thrills—it delivers a chilling, emotionally layered story of survival and strained family bonds. Centering on a young girl, Lizzy, and her troubled mother Kathy, the film unfolds during a late-night road trip that takes a terrifying turn when their car breaks down in the middle of a remote forest. What begins as a routine tow truck call quickly escalates into a brutal fight for survival against a lurking, shadowy predator in the woods.
Beyond its external horror, the real monster here might be the emotional tension between mother and daughter. Kathy, an absentee parent struggling with addiction, and Lizzy, a child forced to grow up too fast, form the beating heart of the film. Their dynamic gives the story emotional gravity. The creature in the forest becomes a symbol for the overwhelming burden of past mistakes, guilt, and the desperate will to protect.
Acting, Cinematography, and Direction
Zoe Kazan delivers a gut-wrenching performance as Kathy, blending vulnerability and determination in equal measure. Her portrayal of a flawed mother pushed to the edge is both painful and powerful. Ella Ballentine, who plays Lizzy, impresses with a level of emotional depth rare for young actors, making every moment of terror feel real.
Visually, the film leans into a dark, moody aesthetic that amplifies its claustrophobic setting. The rain-soaked road and dense, shadowy woods work as perfect backdrops to isolate the characters. The creature is wisely kept in the dark for most of the film, adding suspense and mystery rather than overexposing the threat.
Director Bryan Bertino, known for The Strangers, crafts a horror experience that balances quiet tension with brutal moments. The pacing is tight, and the transitions between flashbacks and real-time horror are handled with finesse, allowing the emotional story to breathe between scares.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Bertino’s direction shines when the film leans into its atmosphere and emotional stakes. Rather than depending on gore or cheap thrills, the horror arises from the looming dread and unpredictability of the monster’s attacks. The creature design itself is suitably eerie—organic and grotesque without feeling overly fantastical.
The film’s strengths lie in its slow-burn approach and emotional undercurrent. However, viewers expecting relentless monster action may find the pacing too methodical. Flashbacks, while meaningful, occasionally break the momentum. But for fans of character-driven horror with a bleak edge, these choices elevate The Monster above typical genre fare.
Final Verdict & Score: 5/10
The Monster (2016) blends psychological depth with primal terror, offering more than your standard creature horror. Its strong performances and emotional weight make it a standout in the genre, even if the pacing won’t satisfy those craving constant action. A haunting journey about motherhood, sacrifice, and survival, it’s a slow-burning film that sticks with you.
While other reviews offer high praise, this review gives weight to the 5.4 rating from general audiences, reflecting a more balanced and grounded response. The emotional themes elevate the experience, but the slower pacing and limited setting may not connect with every horror fan.
Who Will Enjoy It
Fans of emotionally layered horror stories
Viewers who appreciate slow-burn suspense
Horror lovers seeking a symbolic, character-driven plot
Audiences drawn to minimalist creature features with real-world drama
Who Might Be Disappointed
Viewers expecting fast-paced monster chaos
Those preferring straightforward horror without emotional subtext
Fans looking for high-body-count or gore-heavy storytelling
Frequently Asked Questions About The Monster (2016)
1. What is the monster in The Monster (2016)?
The creature is a large, shadowy, almost reptilian beast that stalks the forest. Its origin is never explained, making it feel more primal and symbolic. It’s not just a physical threat—it represents fear, addiction, and the emotional trauma Kathy and Lizzy are battling throughout the film.
2. Is The Monster based on a true story?
No, the movie is entirely fictional. However, the emotional struggles portrayed between the mother and daughter—especially dealing with guilt, broken trust, and personal redemption—feel grounded and realistic, which adds to the intensity of the horror.
3. What is the relationship between Kathy and Lizzy?
Kathy is Lizzy’s mother, but their relationship is strained due to Kathy’s past substance issues and emotional instability. Lizzy has taken on a more mature role, often feeling like the adult in their dynamic. Their bond is tested and ultimately transformed throughout the story.
4. Why does the monster only appear after the car crash?
The film places the monster’s appearance immediately after the car breaks down in the middle of the forest. This timing isn’t coincidental—it isolates the characters and forces them to confront their own demons, both literal and emotional. The setting also adds to the tension and claustrophobia.
5. Is the monster a metaphor in the movie?
Yes. While the monster is very real within the context of the film, it also symbolizes deeper issues—such as addiction, trauma, and fear of abandonment. Kathy’s battle with the creature mirrors her internal fight to become the mother Lizzy needs her to be.
6. How scary is The Monster (2016)?
The movie isn’t about non-stop jump scares or gore. Its fear factor comes from suspense, emotional depth, and the ever-present sense of dread. The horror is both psychological and physical, appealing to fans who prefer atmosphere over shock value.
7. Does the movie explain where the monster came from?
No. The monster’s origin remains a mystery. This lack of explanation adds to the horror—it’s not something that can be rationalized or controlled. It simply exists, like trauma or fear, and must be faced head-on.
8. Is there a deeper meaning to the ending of The Monster?
Absolutely. The ending is both literal and symbolic. It showcases a moment of sacrifice and strength, underscoring themes of personal growth, protection, and emotional release.
The Monster (2016) – Ending Explained
As The Monster reaches its climax, Kathy decides to confront the creature to give Lizzy a chance to escape. Armed with nothing more than her fading strength and a flare, Kathy sacrifices herself in a tense final standoff. The creature mauls her—but not before she injures it enough to stall its pursuit of her daughter.
Lizzy, traumatized but empowered by her mother’s bravery, later returns to the scene with determination in her eyes. She picks up the weapon and finishes what her mother started. Lizzy’s final act of killing the monster serves as a metaphor for reclaiming control over her life and severing the emotional hold of fear and loss.
The ending leaves viewers with a haunting sense of closure. While Kathy doesn’t survive, her final actions give Lizzy a second chance. It’s a somber but empowering conclusion, showing how even the most flawed people can rise to become heroes in the moments that matter most.
Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- The Monster Rating Scores
- Our Score: 5/10
- Overall Score: 6.17/10
- IMDB: 5.4/10
- MetaCritic: 6.9/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 8.1/10
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