In Your Monster, Caroline Lindy brings a delightfully odd mix of horror, romance, and comedy, blending dark humor with a journey of self-discovery. Melissa Barrera stars as Laura Franco, a soft-spoken actress whose life has unraveled after a breakup and surgery. Returning to her childhood home to recover, she finds herself confronted by a strange monster living in her closet—one who might just be the encouragement she needs to reclaim her dreams and her voice.
The film recalls the quirky chaos of Drop Dead Fred—if Fred had ended up hooking up with Phoebe Cates. Similarly, the monster, played with absurd charm by Tommy Dewey, becomes Laura’s source of both frustration and inspiration. Dewey’s performance is magnetic, blending menace, wisdom, and a touch of endearing vulnerability that makes the monster unforgettable.
Barrera is captivating as Laura, balancing vulnerability and strength as she finds her way back to herself. Her chemistry with Dewey’s monster brings unexpected depth to a story that, at first glance, might seem like straightforward horror-comedy fare. It’s clear she’s breaking new ground with this role, exploring Laura’s internal struggle and outer transformation with nuance and flair.
The production design, from the monster’s eerie makeup to Laura’s eclectic wardrobe, adds a unique visual style that feels distinctly like a grown-up fairy tale with a dark edge. The soundtrack, featuring tracks from Marvin Gaye and Jimmy Durante, elevates key scenes and adds richness to the film’s emotional beats. The musical numbers are as catchy as they are surprising, a hallmark of this film’s creativity and daring approach to genre-blending.
While the story occasionally meanders with a few too many scenes involving Laura’s ex, the characters’ strong performances, and the film’s witty, heartfelt dialogue keep it engaging. Ultimately, Your Monster feels like a modern Beauty and the Beast but with a much wilder, more introspective twist—a must-see for fans of monster romance. Ladies, start planning your Lisa Frankenstein x Your Monster double feature movie nights now.
Jessie Hobson