The trailer for “Godzilla Minus One” takes a fresh approach to the iconic monster franchise, emphasizing the horror of Godzilla’s destructive rampages. This departure from previous films in the MonsterVerse series, which leaned heavily on action while neglecting character development, offers viewers a new perspective on the legendary creature.
Legendary’s MonsterVerse kicked off with a bang in 2014 with “Godzilla,” directed by Gareth Edwards. This film portrayed Godzilla as a genuine existential threat and delved into the human drama surrounding his appearances. However, not everyone was on board with this daring approach. Some critics and fans argued that the movie could have benefited from a quicker pace, a lighter tone, and a more playful approach to the MonsterVerse.
Their wishes were granted with 2019’s “Godzilla: King of the Monsters,” directed by Michael Dougherty. The sequel took a lighter and faster-paced approach, giving less emphasis to the human cost of Kaiju attacks. Then came “Godzilla vs. Kong” in 2021, which focused almost exclusively on the epic battle between the two titans, largely disregarding the development of human characters. However, the trailer for the upcoming “Godzilla Minus One” in 2023 suggests that there’s another way to approach the MonsterVerse, one that recaptures what made the franchise compelling in 2014.
“Godzilla Minus One” promises to showcase the true horror of Godzilla’s attacks. The trailer immerses viewers in the perspective of terrified human civilians desperately trying to escape the monster’s wrath. While it explores the terror of Godzilla’s presence, it avoids plunging into excessive darkness. In contrast to the intentionally campy human drama of recent MonsterVerse films, the human element in “Godzilla Minus One” appears promising. The monstrous actions have a tangible and horrifying impact, making the human characters more meaningful in the story. By taking Godzilla seriously, the movie rekindles the essence of true horror that the series had been missing.
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In “Godzilla vs. Kong” and “Godzilla: King of the Monsters,” it was unclear whether Godzilla was meant to be a villain or an unusual antihero. While Godzilla has always possessed a tragic side, the neglect of human character development in these films made him oddly likable. This detracted from the horror element, as viewers found themselves rooting for what should have been the antagonist. Moments like Godzilla’s peculiar smile after attacking King Kong in “Godzilla vs. Kong” further undermined the credibility of the human characters in the series.
With “Godzilla Minus One” setting a new standard, the next MonsterVerse installment, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” slated for 2024, faces a significant challenge. Its close release proximity to “Godzilla Minus One” invites inevitable comparisons from fans. Unlike “Godzilla: King of the Monsters,” which had a three-year gap after the acclaimed “Shin Godzilla” in 2016, “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire” must elevate its human drama to compete effectively. It needs to ensure that its human characters are integral to the story, as “Godzilla Minus One” has demonstrated the importance of taking both the monster and its human counterparts seriously. If the next MonsterVerse installment can achieve this balance, it stands a better chance of captivating audiences and living up to the heightened expectations set by “Godzilla Minus One.”
