New York, NY – Filmmaker Caroline Lindy’s latest movie, “Your Monster,” takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride through the intertwined worlds of horror and theater. Lindy draws from personal experience to craft a narrative that centers around Laura Franco (Melissa Barrera), a young actor whose Broadway dreams are derailed by a cancer diagnosis. However, the film falls short in its attempts to deliver a truly captivating horror story. Instead, it focuses more on Laura’s journey of self-discovery and her plot to exact revenge on her ex.
Lindy’s use of a monster as a metaphor for Laura’s suppressed rage and inner strength is heavy-handed. The creature starts off as a surly roommate, then becomes a potential love interest, and eventually manifests as Laura’s repressed emotions. The symbolism is hardly subtle as Laura learns to break free from her polite, good-girl persona. Set in the world of musical theater, “Your Monster” strays far from the conventions of a traditional horror film, much like the movies “Colossal” and “A Monster Calls.”
Despite the film’s intention to empower its protagonist, Laura’s character falls flat. Barrera’s portrayal of Laura comes across as pouty and entitled, making it difficult for audiences to empathize with her. Even the flashbacks to Jacob’s promise to cast Laura as the lead in their musical, “The House of Good Women,” fail to convey Laura’s supposed talent. Barrera’s lackluster performance undermines the credibility of her character’s ambitions.
Lindy’s reliance on hammy montages, rather than well-written scenes, further hampers the film. Scenes of Laura indulging in pastries and crying after returning home from the hospital, or the cutesy disputes with the monster over the thermostat, lack the comedic punch that is necessary for the high-concept sitcom premise to truly shine. The film’s attempts at humor fall short, leaving viewers frustrated with a missed opportunity for laughter.
As Laura musters the courage to audition for Jacob’s musical, her performance is a disaster. Her ex sits there looking pathetic, another star vies for her part, and one of the decision-makers eats lunch, indifferent to the proceedings. Barrera’s singing ability is overshadowed by her inability to effectively portray the versatility required for the role.
While “Your Monster” presents a unique premise, it ultimately falls into predictable territory as Laura unlocks her suppressed emotions. The film’s attempts to showcase Laura’s growth and self-expression through the monster’s influence fall short of satisfying the audience. The inclusion of a masquerade party and the monster’s millennial lingo fail to elicit the desired amusement, potentially resonating more with younger audiences.
In the end, “Your Monster” amounts to an intermittently amusing pity party. Lindy’s film lacks a compelling ending and leaves viewers wanting more than the mopey narrative offers. While Laura is free to cry if she wants to, the film struggles to evoke a truly emotional response from its audience.