Let's Just Say It: The Real Hero of Netflix's "Love and Monsters" Is the Dog

The cute doggo is an Australian Kelpie.

Last week, the Academy Award-nominated film Love and Monsters finally landed on Aussie Netflix after its international release was disrupted by COVID. So, it's safe to say quite a few of you probably watched it over the weekend. 

The flick is set seven years after a 'Monsterpocalypse' (not the most positive vibes tbh), and follows Joel Dawson—portrayed by Dylan O'Brien—as he lives underground and reconnects over the radio with his high school girlfriend Aimee (Jessica Henwick), who has been living on the coast 80 miles away. 

Joel realises that there's nothing left for him underground, and despite all the danger that stands in his way, he decides to venture out to find his true love. 

As it turns out, Love and Monsters has even scored an Oscar nomination for Best Visual Effects. It's also got a critic score of 93 per cent on the Rotten Tomatoes, which is pretty damn good. 

We don't want to give away too many spoilers for those of who you haven't watched it, but let's just say there are a lot of monsters, jump scares and adorable moments involved. 

But we're not here to discuss giant slimy creatures. No, we're here to discuss the true MVP of Love and Monsters: the doggo. 

When Joel comes across the incredibly charasmatic and cool dog named "Boy" on his travels, he soon becomes a trusted companion on O'Brien's character's arduous journey. 

So, let's find out a bit more about the scene-stealing legend. 

Aussies, you'll be proud of this one: Boy is played by a dog—aptly named Hero—who is an Australian Kelpie.

The lead dog trainer on the film, Zelie Bullen, assured People that dog doubles worked on the film too, so Hero always had time to chill out.

In a short video by Paramount Movies, Bullen describes Australian Kelpies as being "incredibly intelligent, versatile, agile, athletic, known for their loyalty and their companionship." 

Apparently Hero and O'Brien built an "incredibly intense" bond on set, so that's enough to make you cry.

"In all of my years doing what we do, it is probably the strongest real-life off-camera bond that we've had with one of our animals and one of the actors," Bullen says in the video. 

There's only one thing left to do: start a petition to get Hero included in the Best Actor category at the upcoming Academy Awards. 

It's never too late. 

Love and Monsters is now streaming on Aussie Netflix. 

Header Image: Netflix