‘Your Monster’ Review- A Mesmerizing Debut From Director Caroline Lindy [55th Nashville Film Festival]

Synopsis: Your Monster tells the story of the soft-spoken actor Laura Franco (Melissa Barrera), who is dumped by her longtime boyfriend (Edmund Donovan) while recovering from surgery and retreats to her childhood home to recover. With her future looking bleak, insult is added to injury when Laura discovers her ex is staging a musical that she helped him develop. But out of these gut-wrenching life changes emerges a monster (Tommy Dewey) with whom she finds a connection, encouraging Laura to follow her dreams, open her heart and fall in love with her inner rage.

You may have heard it before, but the saying goes, keep your friends close and your enemies closer. However, in the age of social media and oversharing, jealousy and envy can quickly and quietly turn friends into foes. It’s pretty evident, loyalty isn’t what it used to be. As we’ve found ourselves cultivating personal brands or obsessing over likes and follower counts, we’ve become more self-centered than ever before. Furthermore, selfish attitudes and ways of living are dangerous. Subscribing to the notion that everything is for and about you can lead you down a path that alienates you from those you care about most. It may result in you thinking that it’s okay to manipulate people, that it’s fine to constantly lie, and that there’s nothing wrong with hooking up with your friend’s current passion partner. If you weren’t aware, this makes you a dick. Don’t be a dick.

“I need time for me, I’m sorry.”

You can forgive, but you don’t have to forget. And let’s face it, revenge is a hell of a lot sweeter. Carried by a strong script and propelled by captivating performances, Your Monster is a mesmerizing debut from director Caroline Lindy. Lindy, also the film’s writer, has conjured up a rom-com and horror concoction that is perfect for the spooky season. This film is a joy to watch and dare I say, an instant cult classic. If you’re a theater nerd, this story has you in mind. Into reading Monster Fantasy novels? You can scratch that itch here too. Or if you’re just here for an interesting meet-cute and some messy drama, you’re in the right place. Now, it is a little light in the scare department, however, there are a few moments that will make you jump out of your skin. Also, what it lacks in scares, it makes up for with talent.

Your Monster is a hilarious and occasionally heartbreaking journey of healing. It’s about rediscovering your inner strength after being torn down and realizing who has always been there for you in your time of need. Never taking itself too seriously, the film plays up classic tropes while making them feel fresh with its added horror elements. It’s somewhat reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast meets Little Monsters and like the former, you realize the real monsters are people. Placing us in a unique and deeply complicated love triangle with a clear antagonist, there is never a dull moment. Furthermore, as the drama unfolds, nothing is exactly as it seems making this layered story that much more interesting. Loyalty is tested, feelings are hurt, plates are broken, and songs are sung. The film is an incredibly entertaining experience.

“I’m a monster, but not a MONSTER.”

Our heartbroken and confused Laura (Melissa Barrera) is a complete trainwreck. You’ll find yourself facepalming and yelling as you watch her sidestep green flags in favor of toxic red ones. The grounded writing and slightly exaggerated execution make this story relatable and accessible to anyone who has ever experienced love. We’ve all been Laura and anyone who has ever had a crush has been Monster, and underneath the madness is a message of patience.

Your Monster is the perfect Friday night flick. Filled with heart, humor, and palpable chemistry, you don’t want to miss it. The direction is clean and crisp, the tone matches its writing perfectly, and the performances are top-tier. It may not seem like your cup of tea, but I assure you, you’ll feel differently at the end. Date Night has just got easier. Its rewatchability is high.

Pace & Pop

The film is paced quite well. It never lingers longer than it has to but also knows when to let a moment breathe. Besides the outstanding performances, what popped for me was the refreshing script. It simultaneously felt familiar and alien. In a world of reboots and sequels, it’s a plus.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Melissa Barrera, Tommy Dewey, Edmund Donovan, Kayla Foster, and Meghann Fahy

In a catalog of great performances, this is Melissa Barrera’s best one. Also, had no clue she could sing so well. A great deal of her skillset is on display. From hysterically crying to hilariously goofy to revenge-ready, she proves she can do it all. The chemistry with Monster (Tommy Dewey) is some of the best and most genuine you’ll see all year. The pairing feels tender, safe, hot, and dangerous, but also incredibly silly. Dewey knocks his performance out of the park. The duo built the kind of chemistry that should require them to do another film together. Edmund Donovan plays the heel perfectly. He’s definitely the character you want to punch in the face. Wait until you see what happens to him.

Your Monster played at the 55th Annual Nashville Film Festival and will release in theaters on October 25, 2024. Stay safe and be kind to yourself.

Rated: R Runtime: 1h 38m Director: Caroline Lindy Writer: Caroline Lindy Producers: Kayla Foster, Caroline Lindy, Kira Carstensen, Melanie Donkers, Shannon Reilly Executive Producers: Bob Potter, Tommy Dewey, Sharon Horgan, Clelia Mountford Director of Photography: Will Stone Original Songs: Daniel Lazour, Patrick Lazour Score: Tim Williams Editing: Daysha Broadway, Jon Higgins Production Design: Brielle Hubert Costume Design: Matthew Simonelli