KSL Movie Show review: ‘Your Monster’ is a genre-blending tale
Oct 25, 2024, 7:00 AM | Updated: Oct 31, 2024, 1:58 pm
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SALT LAKE CITY — If you can’t decide what your favorite movie genre is, this movie will help, since it pretty much blends all of them together.
“Your Monster” is a supernatural, horror, thriller, romantic comedy (sorry, no superheroes).
It’s the story of young theater actress Laura (Melissa Barrera) who is going through some life-altering experiences that no one wants. She’s battling cancer, which leads to her callous and shallow boyfriend Jacob (Edmund Donovan) to break up with her, just as she’s helped him put the finishing touches on his off-Broadway musical featuring a character she created. There are words to describe him. I won’t use them here.
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In the midst of her despair, she stumbles upon her own proverbial monster who’s been living in her closet forever. He’s annoyed by her constant whining and demands she vacate the premises, not knowing that that’s not how this works.
At first terrified, then intrigued, Laura begins having fun, meaningful conversations with “Monster” (he never gets a real name) as he gives up on getting rid of her and decides to be awkwardly sweet to her in these traumatic days.
By now, stupid, narcissistic Jacob has begun casting his musical. Laura has beaten cancer and has decided to audition for the lead she helped conceive. However, Jacob and his investors have their sights set on a big-name star instead, to generate more interest and revenue.
Surprisingly, Laura makes the chorus line, but is also the understudy to the big star Jackie (Meghann Fahy), who has no idea about the ugly history between Jacob and Laura. All the while the rage that has stayed smoldering within Laura expresses itself through Monster (Tommy Dewey), who is now fully onboard in support of her, while suggesting he could destroy Jacob if she just says the word.
Fans of Beauty and the Beast will appreciate the sentiments that develop through Monster and Laura’s growing relationship, but may have — gulp — second thoughts when the two consummate their desires after a coming-out Halloween party. Ick.
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All of this is leading to an opening night where Writer/Director/Producer Caroline Lindy takes a fairly bold move that hopes to capture the essence of female rage in a not-so-subtle attempt to shock her audience. Yep, the jolt is there. I’m just not sure who the real monster is after this genre-blending tale raises its final curtain.
YOUR MONSTER (B-) Rated R for language, some sexual content and brief bloody violence. Starring Melissa Barrera, Tommy Dewey, Edmund Donovan, Matthew Lamb and Kayla Foster. Written and directed by Caroline Lindy in her feature film debut. Filmed in New Jersey. Running time: 98 minutes.
The KSL Movie Show with Andy Farnsworth and Steve Salles airs Fridays on KSL NewsRadio from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Follow the show on Facebook, and join The KSL Movie Show Club for exclusive perks by texting MOVIE to 57500. Message and data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Message frequency varies.
