By: Steph Sharples

Magnolia Pictures/Magnet have released a new poster for their highly acclaimed low-budget sci-fi film MONSTERS. Despite being made for almost nothing (in Hollywood terms), the film does not suffer visually because writer/director Gareth Edwards is an award-winning special effects expert. I'll be seeing this one at TIFF so make sure to check back for a review. Monsters opens in select cities on October 26th.

Six years ago NASA discovered the possibility of alien life within our solar system. A probe was launched to collect samples, but crashed upon re-entry over Central America. Soon after, new life forms began to appear and grow. In an effort to stem the destruction that resulted, half of Mexico was quarantined as an INFECTED ZONE. Today, the American and Mexican military still struggle to contain the massive creatures… Our story begins when a jaded US journalist (McNairy) begrudgingly agrees to find his boss’ daughter, a shaken American tourist (Able) and escort her through the infected zone to the safety of the US border.

Written & directed by Gareth Edwards

Starring Scoot McNairy (“In Search Of A Midnight Kiss”) and Whitney Able (“All The Boys Love Mandy Lane”)

The breakout hit of this years SXSW, Gareth Edwards’ groundbreaking new film is as much a poignant contemporary romance as it is an epic science fiction adventure. Shot with just a five person crew and a cast of two, Gareth Edwards’ team traveled through Guatemala, Belize and Mexico, finding and utilizing their locations and supporting actors as they went. The result is a film as cutting edge as it is classically composed, as emotionally satisfying as it is visually stunning, and the bold announcement of a major new talent.