Monolith - 2022
"Monolith" is a 2022 Australian mystery, sci-fi, and thriller film directed by Matt Vesely. The movie stars Lily Sullivan as a disgraced journalist who investigates a strange conspiracy theory in an effort to salvage her career. The film explores themes of viral culture, journalism, and the fractured mind of the protagonist.
The budget for "Monolith" was under A$500,000, with initial funding from the South Australian Film Corporation (SAFC) and the Adelaide Film Festival (AFF), along with additional funding from Mercury CX. Principal photography took place in the Adelaide Hills over 15 consecutive days, following the events of the film in the same order. The movie premiered at the Adelaide Film Festival on October 27, 2022, and had its official world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival on March 13, 2023, with subsequent screenings at other festivals.
Critics have praised the film for its eerie atmosphere, Lily Sullivan's outstanding lead performance, and its ability to make podcasting cinematic. However, some reviewers mentioned that certain aspects of the film's ending felt ambiguous. The movie has been described as a low-budget thriller that delivers a high-impact story.
"Monolith" was released in select theaters and on VOD (Video on Demand) starting February 16, 2024. It is available for rental or purchase on platforms such as Prime Video and Apple TV.
