‘Monolith’ Review: A Truth Exploring Thriller

Choosing a title like ‘Monolith’ for a sci-fi flick, especially one with a shoestring budget, is a bold move. Add in some spine-tingling, Ligeti-esque sounds, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for cosmic intrigue. While ‘Monolith’ draws clear inspiration from classics like ‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ and ‘Arrival,’ director Matt Vesely’s debut manages to carve out its own space, navigating vast distances with just one on-screen actor and a handful of vocal performances.

The story centres around the Interviewer (Lily Sullivan), a journalist turned podcaster for ‘Beyond Believable,’ a show dedicated to the paranormal. Desperate for a credible story, she receives an email about ‘The Brick’ from Floramae King (voiced by Ling Cooper Tang), a former housekeeper.

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As Floramae recounts her encounter with a mysterious black stone, the Interviewer delves deeper, uncovering a web of unsettling artefacts and disturbing visions. With nods to sci-fi greats like Chris Marker and Shane Carruth, ‘Monolith’ delves into the metaphysical void, amplifying its sense of mystery by keeping other characters unseen.

While ‘Arrival’ explores communication, Vesely’s film probes the concept of truth. As the Interviewer sifts through recordings and grapples with her past, the film questions our relentless pursuit of truth in the digital age. However, the narrative’s resolution may cling too tightly to familiar ground, yet its meticulous, self-contained nature beckons for further exploration.