Your Monster: A Twisted, Cathartic Rom-Com With a Bite

What if you were just diagnosed with cancer and subsequently dumped by the love of your life? For director Caroline Lindy, it inspired Your Monster, a fantastically dark rom-com that channels real pain into a symphony of rage, humour and catharsis. Taking creative liberties with Lindy’s personal experiences, the film transforms heartbreak into an off-beat musical phenom.

Your Monster follows Laura (played by Melissa Barrera), an aspiring actress whose world collapses after her boyfriend (Edmund Donovan) dumps her following her cancer diagnosis, claiming it’s “too much” for him. Left reeling and alone, except for an absentee best friend, the timid Laura moves back into her childhood home, where she meets a terrifying, yet oddly charming Monster (played by Tommy Dewey) living in her closet.

What begins as an uneasy truce quickly becomes a unique friendship–and perhaps something more– as Laura rediscovers her voice and navigates an understudy role in her ex’s play, written for (and with) her.

Your Monster: a twisted trope-filled take on Beauty and the Beast

Your Monster masterfully blends rom-com charm, horror elements and dramatic undertones in a way that feels fresh. Like a modern-day Beauty and the Beast, this film is sure to delight musical theatre enthusiasts and anyone who was a little disappointed when the beast turned back into a human at the end of the Disney classic.

Melissa Barrera, best known for her scream queen roles, takes on a new challenge as Laura, an awkward, self-doubting theatre nerd. Her ability to oscillate between humour and raw emotion ensures the audience feels every beat. Whether she’s sobbing over lost dreams, delivering laugh-out-loud reactions or belting her heart out, Barrera carries the film with a nuanced soulful portrayal of Laura’s sadness and spirit, making Laura’s transformation from pushover to a woman claiming her agency all the more satisfying.

Tommy Dewey’s titular Monster is just as compelling, stealing scenes with a mix of snark, chivalry and unexpected vulnerability. Monster validates Laura’s feelings, supporting her fury, in stark contrast to her smarmy ex-boyfriend, perfectly played by Edmund Donovan, who audiences will love to hate. Dewey and Barrera’s chemistry is palpable, growing organically pulling viewers into an unconventional romance that feels surprisingly tender. For monster lovers and fans of similar films like Lisa Frankenstein, this pairing will be a treat.

The film’s aesthetic is a love letter to the golden age of Hollywood, Universal monsters like Frankenstein and big-band musical theater. Its lush, retro soundtrack and vibrant visuals create a nostalgic yet modern feel, with every frame brimming with purpose. Costume design deserves special mention—each character’s wardrobe is both endearing and expressive, particularly Laura’s, which mirrors her emotional journey in subtle but striking ways.

Caroline Lindy urges us to validate and embrace feelings, especially rage

At its core, Your Monster is an emotional rollercoaster, deeply relatable to anyone who’s gone through a breakup or wrestled with complex feelings. The film’s message is clear, it’s okay to feel, whether it be anger, sadness or fear- these emotions are transformative. Caroline Lindy uses tension-filled moments, purposeful shots, and eerie sound design to keep the audience engaged while underscoring the story’s deeper themes.

While the film might occasionally linger too long in certain scenes, fall flat in its initial forgettable musical moments, or veers into predictability, the flaws are outweighed by its brisk pace, seamless storytelling and standout performances. The bold use of colours is a visual delight, an evident contrast to typically muted colour palettes in recent mainstream cinema.

The final act takes a macabre turn, culminating in a cathartic payoff with an ambiguous ending. The film is an ode to female rage, the need for expression and the power of embracing one’s complexity.

Your Monster is a certified modern love story classic with teeth. Nostalgic but innovative, its an almost perfect blend of humour and heart. With Barrera’s powerhouse performance, Dewey’s depth, a solid supporting cast including Meghann Fahy and Caroline Lindy’s sharp direction, Your Monster is a must watch for anyone looking for a fresh take on the rom-com formula that will not only entertain but resonate.

Your Monster is in theatres now.