The Monster Within review

By Mark Young

Is There a Monster?

Within the first five minutes, The Monster Within introduces its faceless threat as it dispatches its first victim. Any potential for keeping the titular villain hidden is removed with almost gleeful aplomb. We meet Garrett, who has recently inherited his family’s property—an inheritance that carries a heavy price. The film follows him as the weight of expectation begins to crush him, his therapist’s advice clashing with these newfound responsibilities.

Films operating under budget limitations typically rely heavily on the strength of their performers, and this one is no exception. Edward Jack Cole plays Garrett with an internal weariness and conveys his struggles effectively through tight close-ups. The early therapy sessions and the moments where he watches life from the outside looking in hint at a more psychological approach, punctuated by moments of violence. 

The violence itself is handled well. The film opts for quick cuts that suggest brutality without needing to show much onscreen. As the story develops—almost predictably—Garrett attempts to act against the creature’s urges, mirroring his struggle against his own subconscious. The mounting list of unsolved missing girls is building and the appearance of an investigator only adds to that intense pressure, leading to shocking climax. 

It’s a film that has a lot going for it, avoiding the gore route in favour of a well told story that works within the constraints placed upon it. 

The Monster Within is available now on UK digital via Seven Tales.

Watch the trailer below –