▪ The film's ending leaves the monster's reality open to interpretation.
Heartbreak is tough, especially during medical crises and career betrayals. How can one make heartbreak easier to bear? By embracing your inner monster, along with your rage. In Caroline Lindy's film Your Monster, an up-and-coming actress faces heartbreak when her big break and relationship end because she has to get treatment for cancer.
Her narcissistic director boyfriend cannot handle it and leaves her when she is at her most vulnerable. She feels lost until a monster from her closet shows up to teach her how to embrace her anger in this charming and unique horror-romantic comedy.
Laura, played by Melissa Barrera, is a mess. The talented young actress is looking forward to her big break with director Jacob, played by Edmund Donovan. Jacob has written the central role in his brand-new Broadway musical just for her. Everything seems perfect until Laura is diagnosed with cancer.
This news changes everything. Jacob, unable to handle her illness, breaks up with her during her treatment. His cowardice hits Laura hard, and she spirals into depression. She spends her days crying and eating her feelings.
While Laura is in this deep sadness, a monster, played by Tommy Dewey, appears. This sarcastic humanoid beast has lived in her home, hiding in the closet all along. He arrives to remind Laura of her inner strength and help her embrace her emotions.
The monster teaches Laura to find her voice and gain the confidence to audition for the role that was written for her. However, in a cruel twist, the part goes to a famous actress named Jackie, played by Meghann Fahy, who did not even audition. Instead, Laura is left awkwardly as the understudy at Jacob's request.
The film begins on a dark and stormy night when Laura is having a pity party. The monster crashes this party. He has lived in Laura's childhood home, hiding in her closet. He wants her to move out because he is tired of being there. However, seeing Laura in such a sad state, the monster takes pity on her. He allows her two weeks to pull herself together.
During these two weeks, Laura and the monster bond over Chinese takeout and classic films. The monster encourages Laura to pursue her dreams and stand up for herself. As they spend more time together, their relationship evolves. They move from being antagonistic roommates to frenemies, and eventually to romantic interests.
When the two weeks are almost up, the monster expresses a desire for Laura to stay. He shows her his lair, which is filled with old stuffed animals and other childhood items. During this visit, the monster reveals that he and Laura have a history. When Laura was younger, she had a frightening encounter with the monster, which ended with her pushing him away. After that, he disappeared until now.
While Jacob's betrayal starts the film off on a bad note, it is not the only betrayal Laura faces. Throughout the movie, Laura's friend Mazie, played by Kayla Foster, assures her that she is Laura's "ride or die." However, Mazie frequently leaves Laura for auditions or for her own convenience. This strange behavior from Mazie becomes more noticeable as the film progresses.
Mazie seems supportive but often chooses to prioritize her own career over her friendship with Laura. At one point, she downplays the idea of auditioning for Jacob's production, but then she shows up for the first rehearsal. This inconsistency makes Laura question her loyalty. Laura also catches Jacob flirting with another woman during a rehearsal, which adds to her feelings of betrayal.
After a particularly intense rehearsal, Laura confronts Jacob, expressing her anger at him for his treatment of her. Mazie, however, seems to side with Jacob, which frustrates Laura even more. When Laura calls out Mazie for her constant absence, Mazie retaliates with a hurtful comment about Laura's lack of support, including the absence of a boyfriend. This low blow hurts Laura deeply.
Later, Mazie and Jacob have a serious talk that turns intimate. Laura, feeling betrayed and alone, comes home to realize she neglected a special occasion with the monster.
Eventually, she discovers that her so-called friend Mazie has been seeing Jacob behind her back. Mazie's betrayal cuts deep, especially since it began before Laura's cancer diagnosis. Mazie begs for forgiveness, but Laura's response is cold and firm: she does not forgive her.
A big question lingers throughout Your Monster: is the monster real? First, there is the issue of whether a monster could actually live in a hidden part of Laura's home. The film introduces supernatural elements that might explain the monster's existence, even if they seem odd.
The monster has his own preferences and conflicts with Laura frequently, but he also becomes a perfect match for her. He possesses secret musical talent and a passion for the theater. More importantly, he constantly reinforces Laura's worth when she doubts herself.
Even when he learns that she spent the night with Jacob, his anger comes from a place of care. He emphasizes that Jacob does not love her, which helps Laura remember her own values.
Another point to consider is that no one else verifies the monster's existence. This includes a costume party scene where Laura and the monster dance publicly. While it is possible that others simply ignore him, it leaves room for doubt about whether he is truly real.
Two key moments suggest that the monster might not exist. One instance occurs when Laura sees Jacob being intimate with another woman at the party. Laura freezes in shock as the monster angrily pushes past her to confront Jacob. When this happens, it subtly implies that Laura's anger is a part of her identity that emerges when she feels wronged.
Additionally, during an argument after Laura reveals her encounter with Jacob, the monster yells at her, "Look at yourself!" Laura responds, "I am looking at myself!"
This exchange raises the possibility that the monster represents Laura's suppressed anger about her treatment. The film leaves it ambiguous until the end, but it seems likely that the monster is a manifestation of Laura's inner turmoil.
Much of Your Monster focuses on Laura's belief that Jackie is involved with Jacob. Jackie, who got the role without auditioning, also seems flirtatious with Jacob. However, when Jackie discovers that Jacob and Laura were once together, her perspective shifts. She is shocked to learn about Laura's illness and feels guilty for not knowing the truth.
Later, Jackie meets Laura for a walk to clear up the misunderstandings. She explains that she did not know Laura was sick or that she had a past with Jacob. Jackie is upset with Jacob for his actions and helps Laura find a way to reclaim her role in the production. Jackie arranges for Laura to secretly take over the role for the film's premiere, giving her a chance to shine.
Laura performs brilliantly, and the audience applauds her talent. However, during intermission, Jacob becomes furious over her unexpected performance. Laura seems distant, caught up in her own thoughts. Jacob angrily confronts her about her actions, leading to a heated argument. Laura warns him to be careful with his words, threatening to "rip his. F*cking. Throat out!!"
When the performance resumes, Laura appears covered in blood, and the atmosphere shifts dramatically. During intermission, just before her big song, the monster appears behind Jacob. He turns around, confused as he sees the monster. This moment serves as a turning point in the story.
The monster attacks Jacob, and Laura reconciles with him afterward. Their moment is both sweet and violent. The film cuts to Laura delivering an impressive performance, but the audience soon realizes that Jacob is lying dead on stage. The graphic nature of this scene shocks everyone, and Laura stands there, thrilled yet blood-covered.
While it seems clear that the monster exists in Laura's mind, the scene after Jacob's death complicates things. Laura is not actually covered in blood, suggesting that what happened may have been a vision.
Earlier in the film, she admits to the monster that she blacked out during her audition and did not remember it afterward. This leads to the interpretation that she likely envisioned ripping Jacob's throat out, though the ending remains ambiguous.
Your Monster touches on important themes, particularly anger and healing. Laura's journey shows how anger can be a powerful emotion, one that can fuel change. Her relationship with the monster helps her recognize that anger is not something to fear but to understand. By embracing her anger, Laura begins to reclaim her life and her identity.
Another significant theme is betrayal. Jacob's and Mazie's actions demonstrate how betrayal can come from those we trust the most. These betrayals add layers to Laura's heartbreak, making her journey to healing more complex. The film highlights the importance of recognizing who truly supports us and who does not.
The film also emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy. Laura learns to stand up for herself, both in her relationships and her career. She evolves from a passive character into someone who fights for her dreams and desires. This transformation is central to the story, showing how personal growth can emerge from difficult experiences.
Your Monster is a unique blend of horror and romance that shows the depths of heartbreak and the journey to healing. Through Laura's story, viewers see the importance of embracing one's emotions, including anger, to reclaim one's power.
The film's ambiguous ending invites viewers to consider the complexities of identity and the role of supportive relationships in our lives.
By facing the challenges of betrayal, illness, and self-discovery, Laura's character resonates with anyone who has faced adversity. In embracing her inner monster, Laura reminds us all that it is okay to feel and express our anger, ultimately leading to empowerment and healing.