The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Film›Monsters
Entertainment • Film

Monsters

Monsters is a 2010 British science fiction horror film written, directed, and largely independently produced by Gareth Edwards in his feature directorial debut.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Monsters is a 2010 British science fiction horror film written, directed, and largely independently produced by Gareth Edwards in his feature directorial debut. Set after a NASA probe crash in Mexico causes the appearance of giant tentacled creatures, it follows two people traveling through an infected zone toward the United States. The film later spawned a sequel, Monsters: Dark Continent.

Plot

The film is set in a version of Mexico where a large infected zone has been created after extraterrestrial creatures appear. Two characters must cross this dangerous area while trying to reach the United States.

Production

Monsters was written and directed by Gareth Edwards, who also handled several technical roles on the film. It was made as his feature debut and is noted for its independent, low-budget approach.

Release and reception

The film was released in 2010 and was later followed by a sequel. It has been discussed as a science fiction horror film and as an example of the monster-movie genre.

Key facts

  • The film marks Gareth Edwards’s feature directorial debut.
  • Edwards also served as cinematographer, production designer, and visual effects artist.
  • The story is set years after a NASA probe crash leads to the emergence of giant creatures in Mexico.
  • The plot follows Andrew Kaulder and Samantha Wynden as they travel through Mexico’s Infected Zone.
  • A sequel, Monsters: Dark Continent, was released in 2015.
🍁
Canadian context

Canadian readers may know Monsters as part of the wider monster-film tradition discussed in film studies and popular-culture writing, but the film itself has no specific Canadian setting or production connection in the provided sources.

Frequently asked questions

What is Monsters?
Monsters is a 2010 British science fiction horror film written and directed by Gareth Edwards.
Who directed Monsters?
Gareth Edwards directed the film and also worked on its cinematography, production design, and visual effects.
What is Monsters about?
It follows two people traveling through an infected zone in Mexico after giant creatures appear following a NASA probe crash.
Is Monsters part of a series?
Yes. It was followed by the sequel Monsters: Dark Continent in 2015.
What genre is Monsters?
It is generally classified as science fiction and horror.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monsters_(2010_film)
    Supports: Basic identification, year, country, director, writer, plot premise, and sequel.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1470827/
    Supports: Runtime, genre tags, and plot summary.
  3. — https://www.wiquipedia?