The Anatomy of Monsters (2014) User Reviews

Unsuccessful attempt at psychological thriller/horror *MILD SPOILERS*

[Stovepipe99 · 4/10 · 27 January 2019]

A date between a man and a woman progresses to a hookup at a motel, where the man reveals that he's going to kill her. At first feigning fear, the woman quickly explains that she is actually a killer herself, and the rest of the film is largely flashbacks of the two characters (but mostly her) giving backstory.

I never like to criticize films for looking "low-budget," but in this case both the lighting and the sound give it far too much of a "home move" look and sound.

I appreciate the idea of a reversal (the hunter becomes the hunted!), but I felt like the movie was heading somewhere so obvious that I didn't really feel much suspense. There's definitely an attempt to add depth to the lead character, but her different stories about killing family pets or a homeless man are all variations on things I've seen before. Also: the way that some of the murders (in particular the murder of the homeless man and several animals) are portrayed is very flip, and it almost feels like the film thinks these are fun, charming stories as opposed to pretty horrific things.

This wasn't bad enough that I stopped watching it, or anything. But I don't think it's one I'd recommend.

Failed attempt at something different

[Leofwine_draca · 2/10 · 25 May 2017]

THE ANATOMY OF MONSTERS is an attempt at something different, I'll give it that. It's an indie thriller that takes place in a bedroom and features two characters conversing for the entire running time, augmented by various flashbacks utilised to develop the back stories of the leads. The twist is that one of the characters is a serial killer and the other his intended victim. The film supposedly builds suspense as the real characters come to the fore but I found it lacking drive and momentum, feeling lifeless and dull as a result.

Not that good of a film or careful use of a single location

[auraclemmens · 1/10 · 22 October 2017]

The film is basically in one location. There is one irritating incidence of a visual that should be accompanied by a corresponding sound, but it isn't. This really stressed me out uncontrollably. I had extreme anxiety, and it wasn't even tense, I just thought it was unnecessary aural interference. The rest of the film is full of poor acting, poor quality everything. The lighting looked like a highschool film crew did the job, and I wasn't very happy with the audio. Wasn't mixed right? Ear piercing highs. Not good. Stay away unless you're into shitty movie night.

Mesmerizing and Compelling I couldn't look away!

[nealan-07006 · 10/10 · 7 November 2016]

I was lucky enough to view The Anatomy of Monsters at a private screening. The innovative and talented Byron C. Miller, Writer/Director was present. Before the showing of the film Miller gave us all a brief synopsis.

As the film began we didn't know what was in store for us. We were all taken on a mysterious ride with twists and turns at every corner. The cinematography, and the locations chosen gave it a deep edgy feel. The music in each scene seemed very relatable and a bit eerie at times. The main characters Sarah and Andrew each portrayed the unsuspecting innocent and devious minded sociopath to perfection. We all were taken in by them. We didn't know what to expect as the the story was building.

This psychological thriller took us down a very dark path. Through divvy bars, goth dance clubs to seedy motel rooms in low rent districts. Each had its own purpose and feel to add to the creation of the scene. Throughout the film you were wondering who is and who isn't the villain, liar and at the end serial killer. At first your sympathies are taken in by the naive and sweet charms of Sarah. As the plot thickens and the stories reveled she's the actual sick minded individual. You think to yourself, how can this beautiful, young and intelligent woman be so shattered that her only thrill and obsession, really is to take another life. Andrew got what was coming to him. His egocentric, almost narcissistic braggart personality of his achievements and superior intellect didn't win over a well thought out killing plan.

After the movie we were all still in a bit of a trance. This movie was not only entertaining, but thought provoking. Do you know someone who's a serial killer? We all have our own dark thoughts and feelings. Is it innate or learned behaviors from our up brings?

At the conclusion of the screening, our gracious Writer/Director Miller stayed to do a questions and answers session with us. Hearing of the budget, time and locations this project required left us amazed, but gave us a sense and respect for these indie film makers. He was able to fill in the gaps our minds left blank. It was interesting to see everyone's perspective on the film. It was one of the best Indie films we've seen in a long time. Overall we all loved it! I can say I'd recommend this film to anyone who asks. I would like to say I'm looking forward to the next creative works by this up and coming Writer/Director.

It put a human in the monster.

[diaz-41176 · 10/10 · 7 November 2016]

Cool stuff! It put a human in the monster in a way that makes you feel compassion maybe even friendship toward them. If you ever wounder how or why someone becomes a killer this might answer some questions for you. There is a constant feeling of whats coming next. I am not one to jump in movies but must admit I did more then once in this one. I went into this film expecting a slasher movie but found my self surprised on how this movie uses graphic images only when its necessary to telling story. The story it self is presented in a way that it made me feel it could be one of my own friends telling it to me. On that note it might even get you wondering about some of the people around you as well. Could they be a killer? The soundtrack was awesome! There was a rendition of Destroy by Lady Tron that haunted my thoughts for some time after.