Director Caroline Lindy has expanded her 2020 short film "Your Monster" into a full-length feature with the same title, produced by Vertical. The story revolves around Laura Franco, portrayed by Melissa Barrera, a soft-spoken actress who gets dumped by her longtime boyfriend, Jacob, played by Edmund Donovan while recovering from surgery.
After the breakup, Laura retreats to her childhood home to heal. However, she faces more challenges when she discovers that her ex is staging a musical that she helped him develop. Amidst these complex life changes, Laura connects with a literal monster from her childhood, portrayed by Tommy Dewey. This monster encourages her to pursue her dreams, open her heart, and embrace her inner rage.
"Your Monster" stoops on the thin line between heartbreaking drama and whimsy stuff with charm enough to make even the most miserable cat scratch her head. Its themes of love and courage (even in the oddest places) speak to a generation now constantly called on to balance promises of success and fulfillment. And while the film transcends into phantasmagoric reaches that should almost get a "Muppet Show" fan to clap, it feels very un-cliched, and this is thanks to Barrera's soulful performance and the god-like handsome monster lurking in the emotional darkness.
The walls of Laura's house in childhood are a kind of character in themselves — a spiritual haven of laughter and tears, anger and unfulfilled aspirations. The ambient sound design comes in and out of the riffs, like an orchestral section at the perfect time to remind us that sometimes, music of the soul needs to be played up and out of sync.
Ultimately, "Your Monster" offers a sweet mix of strength and fun mixed with self-questioning in a manner that may make you laugh and cry all at the same time. If you have ever been confused or screamed into the pillow because of an ex or two (or 20, depending on who you are), Laura's story might make you feel like you can go live as your monster and release your anger onto the dance floor instead of your heartless ex.
When I hit play on "Your Monster," I expected something akin to one of my favorite eighties films, "My Demon Lover." Thankfully, the film finds its footing with another winning performance from Barrea.
Final Grade: B
"Your Monster" opens in theaters this Friday.
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