When a rising actress experiences a medical crisis alongside personal betrayal, the pain can be overwhelming. In Caroline Lindy’s Your Monster, the protagonist confronts her challenges in a strikingly unconventional way—embracing her darker side.
The story follows a talented performer whose career aspirations and love life crumble during her cancer treatment. Abandoned by her self-absorbed director boyfriend, she spirals into despair until an unexpected visitor—a monster in her closet—encourages her to channel her rage in this genre-blending rom-com infused with horror.
Melissa Barrera shines as Laura, forging an unlikely bond with her closet-dwelling Monster (Photo: Melissa Barrera/Merman Productions)Searching the Premise of Your Monster
Laura (Melissa Barrera) is struggling. Her promising acting career takes a hit when her boyfriend Jacob (Edmund Donovan), a director, ends their relationship after her cancer diagnosis disrupts his plans for her starring role in his Broadway musical.
Her emotional decline intensifies until the Monster (Tommy Dewey), a sarcastic humanoid creature residing in her home, emerges. Initially adversaries, their interactions evolve into a unique bond.
The Monster’s sharp guidance pushes Laura to find confidence, culminating in her auditioning for the role she was meant to play, only to be relegated to understudy status while a celebrated actress, Jackie (Meghann Fahy), takes the spotlight.
Laura and the Monster Share a Simple History
The Monster makes his appearance during one of Laura’s low points, interrupting her evening of self-pity. Living in her childhood home, Laura learns the Monster has resided there in secret for years. Initially, he gives her a short timeline to vacate the house but eventually becomes invested in her personal growth.
As their companionship deepens, Laura uncovers a hidden layer of their past: a frightening encounter from her youth when a younger Monster was pushed away. These memories, combined with their present interactions over shared meals and classic movies, form the foundation of their unexpected camaraderie.
Friendship Betrayals Add to Laura’s Struggles
Jacob’s callous departure isn’t the only betrayal Laura faces. Her best friend Mazie (Kayla Foster), who once promised unwavering support, becomes increasingly distant and self-serving. While assuring Laura that auditions aren’t her priority, Mazie appears at rehearsals, raising suspicions.
Tensions peak when Laura learns Mazie has been secretly involved with Jacob, a painful revelation that predates Laura’s illness. Confrontations between the friends expose Mazie’s lack of loyalty, leading Laura to sever ties with the person she thought was her confidante.
Is the Monster Real or a Figment of Laura’s Psyche?
The Monster’s existence remains shrouded in ambiguity. While he exhibits distinct characteristics and preferences, his role as Laura’s emotional anchor suggests he may symbolize her suppressed anger. Interactions at public events, where others seem unaware of him, add to the mystery.
Key moments, such as the Monster attacking Jacob or Laura’s declaration that she sees herself in him, hint at the possibility of him being a projection of her inner turmoil. The film leaves the Monster’s reality open to interpretation, with subtle cues supporting both perspectives.
The Climactic Ending of Your Monster
Laura’s frustrations with Jacob and Jackie come to a head during the production’s premiere. Jackie, unaware of Laura’s struggles, extends a gesture of goodwill by ensuring Laura gets a chance to perform.
Laura’s performance stuns the audience, but backstage chaos uncovers. Jacob confronts her with anger, triggering an intense exchange where Laura’s fury takes center stage. The Monster appears to exact violent retribution on Jacob, though evidence suggests this act might be Laura’s own doing during a blackout.
The film’s conclusion blurs the line between reality and imagination, leaving viewers to ponder whether the Monster is real or a manifestation of Laura’s repressed emotions.
