Monolith
John Hurt narrates this highly charged and doom-laden public information film from the 1987 AIDS awareness campaign. A cliff-face explodes in slow motion; an industrial drill bores into a huge block of rock; the word 'AIDS' is chiselled into the polished surface of a granite headstone and a "Don't Die of Ignorance" leaflet drops onto the surface along with an elegiac bouquet of white lilies. The solemnity of the accompanying voice-over quells any vestiges of ambiguity.
Insights
Plot Summary
In a post-apocalyptic future, a young woman named Sandra works as a mechanic in a desolate wasteland. When she stumbles upon a mysterious, sentient military helicopter known as Monolith, she discovers its advanced capabilities and a dark secret about its origins. Pursued by a ruthless military commander and his forces who want to reclaim the destructive machine, Sandra and Monolith must fight for survival and uncover the truth behind its creation.
Critical Reception
Monolith is often regarded as a cult classic of 1980s sci-fi B-movies. While its production values and acting are typical of its genre, it has garnered a following for its unique premise, blend of action and horror elements, and its gritty, post-apocalyptic atmosphere. It's generally viewed as an entertaining, if somewhat flawed, entry in the genre.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its inventive sci-fi concept and thrilling action sequences.
- Criticized for its sometimes low-budget special effects and uneven pacing.
- Appreciated for its dark, post-apocalyptic setting and memorable antagonist.
Google audience: Audience reception is scarce and largely fragmented, but it's generally seen as an enjoyable, if unremarkable, B-movie for fans of 1980s sci-fi and action.
Fun Fact
The distinctive whirring sound of the Monolith helicopter was achieved by using a sound effect that was also famously used for the Imperial TIE Fighters in the Star Wars saga.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources