Devin Montgomery doesn’t just want to make movies—he wants to make movies that matter. With his debut feature “Monsters Within” hitting Amazon Prime and Fandango At Home on October 3rd, the Oklahoma filmmaker is already collecting international accolades while developing his next projects.
The horror-drama follows Luke Wolf, a war veteran returning to his crumbling hometown to reconnect with his sister, who has Down syndrome. What starts as reports of attacks from the woods quickly spirals into something darker—both literally and figuratively. Montgomery not only stars as Luke but also wrote and directed the film, a triple-threat performance that’s earning him Best Actor awards across the globe—from the United States to Sweden, the UK, Scotland, and France.
What’s striking about “Monsters Within” is its refusal to be just another creature feature. Early reviews have drawn comparisons to the gritty emotional dramas of the 1970s, with several critics noting Montgomery’s James Dean-like intensity. “Watch the official trailer here and you’ll see what they mean—there’s a rawness to his performance that feels increasingly rare in modern horror films,” notes one festival programmer.
The film holds particular significance for Devin Montgomery, who cast his actual sister Daniella in the role of Elle, Luke’s on-screen sister. Their authentic chemistry anchors the supernatural elements in something deeply personal. “It started as a short film in 2021,” Montgomery explains. “Seeing audiences react in real time at festivals inspired me to expand it into something bigger.”
That expansion has paid off spectacularly. The feature has screened at 38 film festivals worldwide, collecting over 25 major awards. Montgomery’s performance particularly resonates with international audiences—his Best Lead Actor win at the Stockholm City International Film Festival is just one example of how his work transcends borders. The recognition from European festivals in the UK, Scotland, Sweden, and France signals the kind of universal appeal that agents and managers notice.
The success is bittersweet. Samuel French, who played the villain Cyrus with what critics called “potent antagonism,” passed away earlier this year. The film’s release carries a dedication to the actor, whose credits included “Killers of the Flower Moon” and “Fear The Walking Dead.”
Devin Montgomery isn’t waiting for Hollywood to come calling. He’s already deep in development on two new projects: “See You in Your Sleep” and “Beneath His Skin,” both making rounds at film festivals and pitch meetings. His approach reflects a filmmaker who learned the hard way that waiting for permission rarely works.
Shot on location in Oklahoma and Cooper, Texas, “Monsters Within” tackles themes close to Montgomery’s heart—veteran mental health, special needs advocacy, and small-town decay. The film features a strong supporting cast including Kendall Cavener, Skeeta Jenkins, and Katy Hayes, each bringing depth to characters that could have been stereotypes in less capable hands.
For Devin Montgomery, this is just the beginning. With his international awards serving as a calling card, he’s positioning “Monsters Within” for bigger projects as managers and talent agents take notice. But he’s not abandoning his indie roots—those two new proof-of-concept films suggest a director who knows exactly what stories he wants to tell and won’t slow down to wait for anyone’s approval.
Follow Devin Montgomery on Instagram, check out updates for Monsters Within, and visit his website at devinjmontgomery.com.
