Some films have all the right ingredients — a heartfelt premise, a meaningful metaphor, and a profoundly personal creative vision — yet still struggle to come together fully. Monsters Within, written, directed, produced, and led by Devin Montgomery (Worm), is one of those films. It’s a project built on sincerity and ambition, but its execution too often undermines its potential.
The story follows Luke, a veteran returning to his hometown to reconnect with his sister, who has special needs. His visit forces him to face his own inner demons, and a chance encounter with Lily (played with quiet warmth by Kendall Cavener) becomes the catalyst for rediscovering a purpose beyond himself. Daniella Montgomery, the director’s real-life sister, brings authenticity to her role as Elle, grounding the film in a relationship that feels genuine and lived-in. Their shared history adds tenderness to the sibling bond that never feels fake.
The central metaphor — the “monster within” — is handled thoughtfully and lands effectively. Montgomery examines how trauma influences identity and how redemption often comes through connection and responsibility. That thematic thread is one of the film’s biggest strengths, anchoring the story even when its structure falters. The film’s numerous awards, including Best First Feature Film at WorldFest-Houston and Audience Choice for Best Feature at Bare Bones International, demonstrate the deep emotional impact it has on festival audiences.
Getting to those moments of insight often feels like wading through molasses. The pacing is painfully slow, with scenes that linger long after they’ve made their point. Coupled with frequently dark and underlit cinematography, the experience feels both visually and emotionally heavy, sometimes to the point of disengagement. What should seem introspective instead drags on, testing patience even as the film reaches for something profound. A stronger ensemble cast beyond the Montgomery siblings and a tighter edit might have given the narrative the momentum it needed to connect fully.
One undeniable highlight is the late Samuel French (Killers of the Flower Moon), whose powerful performance — for which he posthumously won multiple Best Supporting Actor awards — raises every scene he appears in. His presence adds depth and seriousness, and the film’s tribute to him offers a touching final touch. Other supporting actors, including Skeeta Jenkins (Jakob’s Wife, Satanic Panic) and Brandon Stewart (Sovereign), do what they can to flesh out the world but often feel underused, leaving the story overly dependent on Montgomery himself to carry its emotional weight.
It’s worth noting that despite its flaws, Monsters Within has a distinct identity. Its willingness to explore PTSD, family obligation, and the lasting scars of war sets it apart from more traditional dramas in the genre. Choosing to focus the story on a sibling bond — portrayed with genuine authenticity thanks to Daniella Montgomery’s lived experience — gives the film a unique heart that’s easy to appreciate, even when other elements falter.
Montgomery’s passion shows in every frame, and the effort deserves recognition. However, despite its sincere message and strong emotional core, Monsters Within is often held back by its storytelling choices — a film with good intentions that, despite its heart and hard work, ultimately falls short in delivery. It’s a debut that shows promise and ambition but also one that could have benefited from sharper pacing, clearer visuals, and a stronger ensemble to share the narrative burden. For viewers willing to endure its slower pace, there is meaning here — but it’s buried beneath a story that too often struggles to get out of its own way.