Monolith

Monolith (2023) is an intense Australian thriller starring Lily Sullivan as a brilliant scientist who encounters a life-altering crisis when she is trapped inside her high-tech, bulletproof car—the Monolith—with her young son. The film explores themes of maternal determination, survival, and the human spirit as she races against time to save her child from imminent danger. Set largely within the confined and claustrophobic space of the car, Monolith delivers a gripping, minimalist narrative that relies heavily on Sullivan's compelling performance to convey desperation and resilience under extreme pressure.

Monolith has received mixed to moderately positive reviews, reflecting a varied critical reception. On IMDb, the movie holds a rating of 5.8/10, indicating a lukewarm response among general audiences. Metacritic assigns it a score of 61/100, which suggests generally favorable reviews but with some reservations. Critics have widely praised Lily Sullivan's standout performance, often highlighting her ability to sustain tension and emotional depth throughout the film's confined setting. For example, The Guardian noted that "Sullivan's performance is the engine that drives this tightly wound thriller." However, some reviewers commented on the film’s minimalist approach, with Variety mentioning that "the premise's limited scope and repetitive tension might test viewers’ patience." Rotten Tomatoes scores fluctuate but generally reflect a middling rating, with praise for suspense but criticism for narrative simplicity. Overall, Monolith is recognized for its ambition and acting but is seen by some as constrained by its low-budget and singular environment.