Rating 7/10
Sometimes, we all need that extra push to move forward. It might be finding the courage to ask for a raise, or standing up for yourself against an intimidating co-worker, or the moment you decide to take control of your life. Usually, it’s an inner voice encouraging us to be bold. But what if that gut feeling was not so “inner”? What if it was a physical entity giving us that advice in person? And what if that creature was… an outright beast? That’s the basic premise for Your Monster—but it’s just the beginning. The weirdness doesn’t end there.
In her feature debut, writer and director Caroline Lindy explores this intriguing concept through the eyes of Laura Franco (Melissa Barrera). The timid theater actress is facing a cancer diagnosis and a breakup. Seeking solace at her mom’s house, she discovers a monster (Tommy Dewey) living in the closet. This initially grumpy, growling brute gives her two weeks to vacate. However, as Laura grapples with the mess her life has become, she begins an unlikely friendship with the creature. Their quirky relationship evolves, becoming a catalyst for rediscovering strength and identity. The emotional damage inflicted by selfish ex-boyfriend Jacob (Edmund Donovan) begins to heal. Alongside them are Mazie (Kayla Foster), Laura’s best friend/frenemy, and Jackie Dennon (Meghann Fahy), a rival actress. The account is set against a backdrop of romantic comedy with a horror twist. The picture blends humor, heart, and supernatural ingredients, maturing into a tale of personal growth and empowerment.
Laura Franco attempts to reclaim the role in her ex-boyfriend’s play, which they had workshopped together. Actress Melissa Barrera is perhaps best known for playing Sam Carpenter in the slasher movies Scream (2022) and Scream VI (2023). Here, she seems like a completely different woman, exhibiting a warm and expressive personality as the star. Her mezzo-soprano singing voice on the show tune “My Stranger” is particularly impressive. It’s not a surprise, given the talent she demonstrated in In the Heights, but in Your Monster, she takes on a greater responsibility, anchoring the story with a depth and nuance that surpasses her previous roles.
What makes the saga so exhilarating is how it liberally samples from a variety of genres to create something wholly unique. Sure, there’s romance and comedy, but it subverts typical rom-com tropes. Labeling this as such oversimplifies how it includes darker themes. It’s more about perseverance after a dysfunctional relationship. Call it an anti rom-com. There are also genuine horror elements and even a full-blown musical number in that bizarre climax. It’s like Beauty and the Beast, but if the creature remained furious throughout but still looking out for the woman he loves.
Your Monster defies easy classification. The chronicle centers on Millennials, but the soundtrack is filled with 1960s chestnuts from the disparate likes of Dick Van Dyke, Brenda Lee, and Marvin Gaye. The innovative melding of romance, comedy, horror, and musicals offers a genre-blurring tale of self-discovery. I couldn’t fully embrace where the story ultimately led, but I still enjoyed every unpredictable minute. Sometimes, the demons we must hesitantly face are the ones that push us to find true strength.
10-21-24