Lily Sullivan, renowned for her role in “Evil Dead Rise,” delivers a captivating solo performance in Matt Vesely’s “Monolith,” a sci-fi thriller that ingeniously translates the medium of podcasting onto the big screen. The film taps into the prevailing global unease, reminiscent of contemporary phenomena such as glitches in reality and The Mandela Effect, cultivating a gradual sense of disquiet. It suggests that technology, particularly podcasts, may amplify our collective anxiety or awaken us to the intricacies of existence.
The protagonist’s life takes an unexpected turn when she receives an anonymous email containing a cryptic message: a name, the enigmatic phrase “the brick,” and a phone number. Upon dialing the number, she embarks on a mesmerizing journey reminiscent of stumbling upon mysterious online revelations during late-night browsing sessions. Central to this journey is the discovery of eerie black bricks with murky origins, rumored to possess supernatural powers. Encounters with these bricks are often preceded by chilling visions and followed by an overwhelming sense of foreboding.
Initially skeptical, our protagonist gradually embraces the veracity of the brick phenomenon as her podcast gains traction. Writer Lucy Campbell deftly explores various themes, including the infectious nature of stories when shared through auditory mediums, suggesting that narratives gain credibility through repetition. Notably, the film retains the title “Monolith” instead of opting for something more directly tied to the brick narrative, inviting interpretations related to pillars of journalism, podcasting, and viral phenomena.
As the story unfolds, Campbell and Vesely delve into themes of privilege, unveiling unexpected twists while leaving much to the audience’s imagination. While certain elements of the narrative may feel underdeveloped, Campbell injects moral quandaries surrounding podcasting and journalism into the fabric of this sci-fi thriller. Vesely employs close-ups to heighten tension and utilizes production design featuring a cool blue palette, crafting an atmosphere fraught with ominous energy within the confines of a limited space.
“Monolith” effectively delivers spine-tingling moments, despite occasional instances where the protagonist’s decisions may stretch believability. Given the constraints of a single setting and performer, these shortcomings are easily forgiven. Ultimately, the film skillfully immerses viewers in the fractured psyche of an individual grappling with the acceptance of the extraordinary as reality. Mission accomplished.
| Aspect | Simplified Paraphrase |
|---|---|
| Lily Sullivan’s Performance | Sullivan impresses in Vesely’s “Monolith,” showcasing her talent in a solo role. |
| Film’s Concept | “Monolith” cleverly integrates podcasting into a sci-fi thriller, tapping into contemporary anxieties like glitches in reality. |
| The Brick Phenomenon | The film explores a mysterious phenomenon involving eerie black bricks with supernatural qualities, triggering terrifying visions and dread. |
| Podcasting and Storytelling | The protagonist’s podcast gains traction as she delves deeper into the brick story, highlighting the power of audible storytelling in shaping perceptions of truth. |
| Exploration of Privilege | Campbell and Vesely touch on themes of privilege in the film’s twists, although some aspects may feel underdeveloped. |
| Visual and Atmospheric Elements | Vesely effectively uses close-ups and a cold blue palette to create tension and a foreboding atmosphere within the limited space of the film. |
| Chilling Effectiveness of the Film | Despite some unrealistic elements, “Monolith” successfully delivers genuine chills and immerses viewers in the protagonist’s journey of accepting the unbelievable. |
