What on earth is this movie? That’s the exact question I asked myself about 20 minutes into Your Monster, a romantic comedy-horror mashup directed by Caroline Lindy. And I’ll admit—at first, I wasn’t sure if I was in for a delightful treat or a chaotic ride to nowhere. By the time the credits rolled, my verdict was somewhere in between.
This quirky gem stars Melissa Barrera as Laura Franco, a struggling actress whose life is spiraling out of control. She’s broke, heartbroken, and at rock bottom. Just when it feels like things couldn’t possibly get worse, she discovers a monster in her closet. But this isn’t your average closet-dweller—it’s a snarling, terrifying creature with a surprising knack for emotional therapy. The monster becomes both her antagonist and her ally, forcing her to confront her fears, frustrations, and untapped rage.
“I mean, I’m a monster but I’m not…a monster.”
The premise sounds absurd—and it is. But that’s the charm of Your Monster. It takes an offbeat concept and runs with it, refusing to apologize for the silliness. At its heart, the movie is about self-discovery, but it wraps that journey in layers of horror-comedy antics that sometimes hit the mark and sometimes… don’t.
What Works
First and foremost, Melissa Barrera absolutely shines. She brings depth and vulnerability to Laura, a character who could’ve easily been one-dimensional. Her chemistry with the monster (voiced with surprising wit and gravitas) is unexpectedly delightful. Yes, you read that right—chemistry with a monster. There are moments when you find yourself genuinely rooting for their bizarre bond, even as you’re questioning your own sanity.
The monster itself is a standout. Equal parts terrifying and oddly lovable, it’s a physical manifestation of Laura’s repressed emotions. It’s as if the filmmakers took the concept of “facing your inner demons” and decided to give it claws and a sarcastic sense of humor.
Visually, the film is stunning. From shadowy, atmospheric closet shots to colorful moments of catharsis, the cinematography keeps you engaged, even when the pacing falters. And the soundtrack? A quirky mix of eerie and upbeat—just like the movie itself.
What Doesn’t Work
For all its charm, Your Monster struggles with consistency. The tone oscillates wildly between heartfelt drama, laugh-out-loud comedy, and outright horror. While this might work for some viewers, others might find it jarring. The script occasionally stumbles, leaving certain themes half-baked. For a movie that wants to explore deep emotions like self-acceptance and empowerment, it sometimes gets too distracted by its own absurdity.
Additionally, the supporting characters feel underdeveloped. Tommy Dewey and Meghann Fahy have their moments, but they’re mostly there to fill in gaps rather than add meaningful depth to the story.
The Verdict
Your Monster is not for everyone. If you’re expecting a traditional rom-com or a straightforward horror flick, this isn’t it. But if you’re open to a genre-blending, slightly messy, and wildly imaginative ride, this movie might just win you over. At its best, it’s a heartfelt exploration of personal growth. At its worst, it’s an uneven mix of ideas that don’t always stick the landing. Either way, it’s hard to deny that Your Monster is a unique cinematic experience.
So, what on earth is this movie? It’s a bold, weird, and charmingly imperfect creation that dares to be different. And in a sea of predictable films, that’s something to celebrate.