Monster Awakens

Monster Awakens is a hauntingly quiet, slow-burning horror that excels through atmosphere and emotional depth. The Maine wilderness setting is cold, desolate, and deeply unsettling - almost a character in itself. As the young woman battles the elements and an unseen monster, we're drawn into her fight for survival. The monster is never overused, which makes every shadow feel threatening. What really struck me was the emotional pull from the father's perspective. His desperation and guilt are portrayed so well, it adds a new layer of fear - not just of death, but of loss. The film avoids typical horror tropes and instead opts for a more human, psychological approach to fear. It's not a blockbuster-style thriller, but that's exactly what makes it effective. It's a quiet scream into a frozen void - and it echoes long after the credits roll.

Granted, I harbored zero expectations to the movie, given the extremely low budget presentation of the movie's cover. Yet, with it being a movie that I had neither seen, nor actually ever heard about, of course I opted to give the movie the benefit of the doubt and check it out.

Writers David Owen Wright and Scout Wright put together a bland and monotonous script that proved to be nothing more than a background noise movie. I mean, I lost interest in the storyline not even 30 minutes into the ordeal, but I kept the movie going, listening to the awful dialogue whilst keeping half an eye on the screen. So yeah, you're most definitely not in for an evening of Shakespearian theater here, should you opt to sit down and watch "Monster Awakens", not that I was actually expecting such from the movie.

I was not familiar with the cast ensemble in the movie, but I can't claim that the acting was particularly memorable or outstanding. I will say, though, that the acting was fair, taking into consideration the premise of the script and the somewhat faulty and poorly written dialogue that they had to work with.

There is a lot of Wright people involved n the movie, not only writing and directing, but also starring in, which leads me to believe that this was a family home video project.

What kept the movie somewhat afloat was the locations that the movie was shot it, because that snowclad forest definitely worked in favor of the overall enjoyment of the movie.

This is definitely not a movie that I would recommend you to waste 74 minutes on watching "Monster Awakens".

My rating of director Ashley Hays Wright's 2024 movie "Monster Awakens" lands on a two out of ten stars.

Monster Awakens isn't just a movie - it's an experience that will leave you trembling. From the opening frames, there's an overwhelming sense of dread that never lets up, building to a third act that's nothing short of apocalyptic in its intensity. What makes this film special is how it balances visceral horror with psychological depth; the monster serves as both a physical threat and a manifestation of the protagonist's trauma. The production design creates a world that feels both familiar and deeply unsettling, while the score uses discordant strings and sub-bass frequencies to trigger primal fear responses. I haven't been this affected by a horror film since Hereditary. Fair warning: you'll be checking dark corners for weeks after viewing.

Monster Awakens succeeds where so many modern horror films fail by prioritizing mood and character over cheap jump scares. The first hour is a masterclass in slow-burn tension, with cinematography that turns every frame into a haunting painting. When the creature finally appears, the payoff is spectacular - a grotesque, biologically plausible nightmare brought to life through stunning practical effects. My only complaint is that the middle section drags slightly as it builds its mythology, and some supporting characters feel underwritten. But these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise an exceptional horror experience. The sound design alone deserves awards, creating an aural landscape that crawls under your skin. The final twenty minutes will leave you breathless.

Monster Awakens is a slow-burning yet gripping horror film that thrives on atmosphere, isolation, and emotional stakes. Set in the haunting, snow-covered woods of Maine, it follows a young woman stranded in a brutal blizzard while being hunted by something monstrous. The cold is relentless, the silence is unnerving, and the tension builds with each scene. Ashley Hays Wright's direction focuses more on suspense and survival than blood and gore, which makes the horror feel more grounded. The parallel storyline of her father trying to find her adds a heartfelt emotional layer. The cinematography captures the harsh beauty of the setting, and the creature is used just enough to stay terrifying without overexposure. It's not a jump-scare fest, but if you like quiet, atmospheric horror with real emotional weight, this is a solid pick.