Love and Monsters

Seven years after a monster uprising upended civilization, Joel Dawson survives by living underground with a small band of survivors. He passes the days in a fortified colony, trading jokes with friends and clinging to a distant memory of a girl named Aimee. When a radio message rekindles that long distance connection, Joel decides to risk the toxic air and roving creatures above ground to find her. He equipment checks, faces a string of deadly beasts, and learns that the surface is more unpredictable than any bunker rumor. The trek becomes a test of grit and hope as he travels across a landscape scarred by chaos, improvising gear, and stubborn optimism to reach what might still be out there someday.

Directed by Michael Matthews, Love and Monsters is built from an original screenplay by Brian Duffield and Matthew Robinson and released by Paramount Pictures. The film blends practical creature effects with CGI, and it premiered as a studio genre release.

Box office wise the movie earned about 1.12 million worldwide against a 30 million budget, reflecting a modest commercial return. Despite the limited theatrical take, the film found a life on streaming and home video, expanding its audience beyond theaters.

Fans of the monster subgenre embraced its mix of humor and heart, sparking online chatter about inventive set pieces and practical effects. The film circulated in clips and memes that celebrate Joel's stubborn optimism and the quirky bond with his companions, helping it stand out in a crowded field today.

Critics generally praised the movie for its bright tone, inventive creature design, and genuine emotional core, while some argued the humor can tilt too jokey for certain viewers. The core themes revolve around resilience, connection, and choosing hope over despair in a world gone wild that blends danger with humor.