Your Monster is a genre-bending film written and directed by talented filmmaker Caroline Lindy. It premiered at Sundance 2024 in the midnight slot, normally reserved for horror films. Other than the fact that it only took $300k to make and is her feature directorial debut, the fascinating aspect is that the story draws deeply from Lindy’s life experiences, giving it an authentic and powerful resonance.
The inspiration for the film emerged during a particularly challenging time in Lindy’s life. After undergoing surgery to remove cancer from her large intestine, she found herself in the hospital, grappling with her recovery. During this vulnerable period, her boyfriend of three years ended their relationship through a text message. Can you even begin to imagine?
Caught in a whirlwind of emotions — anger, sadness and confusion — Lindy sought to channel her feelings constructively. Rather than letting her frustration consume her, she turned her internal turmoil into creative fuel for her art. This led her to craft Your Monster, which began as a short film but has since evolved into a full-length feature.
The story follows our protagonist, Laura Franco, played by Melissa Barrera, a young actress recovering from cancer surgery (sound familiar?). During her recovery, she is heartbroken when her playwright boyfriend, Jacob, portrayed by Edmund Donovan, breaks up with her, exclaiming he can’t handle the pressure of taking care of her. Seeking comfort, Laura returns to her childhood home, where she discovers a monster in her closet — a creature that has grown alongside her and has been hiding there since she was a little girl.
Naturally, she is frightened by the monster, who demands that she move out because he considers the house his own. However, they bond over their shared love of theater, and the beast agrees to let her stay in the house for as long as she wants.
Jacob is holding auditions for his play, where he initially offered Laura the leading-character role. However, since they broke up, he retracted that offer. Despite this, Laura shows up to audition anyway, much to Jacob’s chagrin. He gives the role to a girl named Jackie (played by Meghann Fahy) but allows Laura to be her understudy, since she already knows the part very well.
During this time, Laura struggles to stand up for herself and lacks self-confidence, finding solace in her relationship with Monster.
From this point forward, Laura’s journey is tumultuous as she grapples with her profound “feminine rage,” a powerful emotion reflecting her struggles with internal discord and external pressures. “Monster” can almost be seen as a poignant symbol of this rage; it resides locked away in the closet, representing the feelings she feels compelled to suppress, unable to find a safe outlet for the emotions.
Laura’s unresolved issues with Jacob loom large as she faces the daunting task of articulating the deep hurt he has caused her. In various moments throughout the story, she attempts to communicate the pain from their past interactions, showcasing her desire for closure and understanding, with him disregarding her at all costs.
Simultaneously, Monster operates in the background, urging Laura to muster the courage to confront Jacob and herself. He is an internal catalyst for change, pushing her to embrace her emotions and reclaim her voice. This journey is not merely about finding the right words to express her turmoil; it’s also about an essential and transformative process of self-love and acceptance.
As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that this film extends beyond the theme of speaking one’s truth — it ventures into the vital territory of learning to love oneself in the face of adversity and emotional upheaval.
One of my favorite scenes is when Laura appears to be sleeping in her bed, while Monster quietly sneaks under it. Then, Laura is seen secretly smiling. This scene is one of many heartwarming moments in the film. It can be interpreted as a literal event or as a metaphor for her underlying rage, which is present yet remains in the background.
Another favorite scene is at the Halloween party. Barrera’s character dresses as the Bride of Frankenstein, and she is drop-dead gorgeous (no pun intended).
The two leads, Melissa Barrera and Tommy Dewey, share an extraordinary chemistry that brings a wonderful charm and warmth to their performances. I have been a fan of Barrera since I saw her performance in Scream 6 (Justice for Melissa… if you know, you know). She delivers her finest work in this new role, showcasing a remarkable range of emotions that blew my mind.
Barrera portrays her character with eccentricity and charm, making her incredibly relatable, even during her moments of vulnerability. Her ability to convey deep feelings adds depth to the story, and you can’t help but root for her. Additionally, her singing talent shines through, proving she’s a talented actress and a gifted vocalist.
Her performance is a delightful combination of heart and skill, making this a memorable role thus far in her career.
As much as I adore Barrera, Tommy Dewey stole the spotlight in this performance. His quick wit and impeccable delivery captivated me throughout the entire show. He is a talented actor with a surprising charm that makes him quite attractive, even as a monster! This reminded me of the classic Beauty and the Beast television series from the 1980s, where the blend of ruggedness and tenderness created a compelling character.
Dewey’s charisma in his role is enchanting, and his ability to convey wisdom and depth adds a layer of magic to the character. His performance is a delightful blend of humor and heart, making me kick my feet.
Your Monster defies easy classification. While it is labeled an American romantic-comedy horror, this description only captures part of its essence. At its core, the movie is primarily a romantic comedy that skillfully incorporates elements of drama, with a sprinkle of horror introduced in the third act, slightly shifting the tone and keeping audiences on their toes.
While some scenes feature traditional horror elements with the blood and guts often associated with the genre, these moments enhance, rather than define the overarching narrative. The third act contains one of the best “good for her” moments I’ve seen in a long time. After all, they say, “Revenge is a dish best served cold.”
For horror enthusiasts like me, Your Monster offers a refreshing alternative to the usual fare. It provides a break from relentless gore, while incorporating enough thrilling elements to satisfy those cravings. Ultimately, the film succeeds in creating a captivating blend of genres, making it a delightful experience for a broad audience. That is why it would make a fantastic date-night film!
Whether you and your partner like the same movies or not, there’s a little something for everyone.
I found it challenging to rate Your Monster, but ultimately, I give it five out of five stars. I loved the entire film from start to finish — the characters and the story were engaging. The only aspect that made me hesitate before giving it a perfect score was my desire for a bit more closure at the end. While the finale is epic and satisfying, it left me wanting a little extra. However, I see no imperfections when considering the film as a whole.
Your Monster will be available to stream on Max on January 24th.