The Monster
Performance & Direction: The Monster Review
Last updated: January 23, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Monster (2016) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Horror.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Horror is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Monster features a noteworthy lineup led by Zoe Kazan . Supported by the likes of Ella Ballentine and Aaron Douglas , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Monster (2016) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.5/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Story & Plot Summary: The Monster
Quick Plot Summary: The Monster is a Horror, Drama film that crafts an atmosphere of dread and suspense, using psychological terror and visual scares. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The horror unfolds through carefully crafted atmosphere and escalating dread. A mother and her 10-year old daughter are trapped in a forest. There is something in this forest. Something unlike anything they have heard before. Something that lurks in the darkness and it’s coming after them. The film uses both psychological terror and visceral scares, building tension through what's unseen as much as what's shown. The pacing allows for breathing room between scares, making each frightening moment more effective.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: An unsettling prologue sets the ominous tone, hinting at the terror to come while establishing the rules of this world.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The final act escalates the terror to its peak, forcing characters to confront the source of horror directly.
Ending Explained: The Monster
Ending Breakdown: The Monster attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to horror resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the horror themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Monster reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Monster?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Horror films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Monster
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $2.7M |
| Worldwide Gross | $74.0K |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Monster Budget
The estimated production budget for The Monster is $2.7M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: The Monster
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Monster Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
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Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeThe Monster Parents Guide & Age Rating
2016 AdvisoryWondering about The Monster age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Monster is 91 minutes (1h 31m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.5/10, and global performance metrics, The Monster is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2016 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Monster worth watching?
The Monster is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Horror movies. It has a verified rating of 5.5/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Monster parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Monster identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Monster?
The total duration of The Monster is 91 minutes, which is approximately 1h 31m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
