There is a slight bias towards Monsters here at SCI-FI-LONDON, not just because it is a great independent, British sci-fi film but also because of director Gareth Edwards' ties with the festival.

If you didn't know already, Gareth was the winner of our first 48 Hour Film Challenge with a stunning piece of filmmaking called Factory Farmed, which is included on the DVD/Blu-ray release. It was this short that convinced the film's producers that Gareth could deliver a high-quality, low-budget feature film – and deliver it does.

This is not your standard sci-fi/alien monster movie. It often draws comparisons with Cloverfield and District 9, more for its shooting style than its content, although there are similarities there as well.

However, Monsters, despite its title, is a much gentler movie than both of those, and shot on a much lower budget. It is basically a romantic road movie with some giant alien creatures that make an occasional appearance – and when they do they are pretty impressive. What is more impressive is the fact that the movie was shot with two actors (real life couple Scoot McNairy and Whitney Able) and a crew of four, plus an editor ensconced in a nearby hotel.

This is all documented in the special features on the DVD. For any aspiring filmmakers, this disc is a must-have because it will inspire and give a reality check at the same time. We are so used to the studio fluff on DVDs that they pass off as making-of featurettes, which are usually no more than a bit of marketing mixed with a lot of mutual appreciation back slapping. These extras give a real insight into what can be done with an idea, a lot of talent and the most basic of crews.

What is even more impressive is there was no fixed script, no location or shot list; it was literally made up as they went along and put together in the editing suite. And when you see the way Gareth has done the effects shots, with not much more than Photoshop and After Effects, the simple story becomes all the more impressive.

Although this is only Gareth's first feature his influence is already beginning to permeate the indie sci-fi scene, if the entries to this year's 48 Hour Film Challenge are anything to go by. Or maybe they just misunderstood the line, "we're looking for the next Gareth Edwards".

Not everyone is going to have the talent this young filmmaker has, but if you want to find the inspiration and motivation to go out and make a film, then this DVD is a great place to start.

Monsters is out now on DVD and Blu-ray from Momentum and Vertigo and is available from Play and all good retailers.

To win a copy of MONSTERS on DVD or Blu-ray click on the link below.