Laura is facing a challenging breakup. Her long-term partner, Jacob, not only ended their relationship but did so while she was undergoing cancer treatment. He expressed that he couldn't cope with the responsibilities of being her caretaker and simply walked away, leaving her devastated. Her belongings were sent to her mother's house, and he even removed her from the audition list for a new show she had helped create. In the midst of this turmoil, her assertive friend Mazie steps in to take her home, allowing her some time to recover. One stormy evening, Laura encounters a terrifying creature known as Monster, who has been hiding in her mother's closet and the shadows of their home for years, only emerging occasionally. However, Monster is not pleased with Laura's return, and the two reluctant housemates struggle to find a way to coexist until Laura decides to audition for Jacob's show. With Monster's assistance, she aims to prove that she is not someone to be underestimated. While the premise is charming, Caroline Lindy's film "Your Monster" falls short. It feels like a blend of "Beauty and the Beast" and "A Chorus Line," taking our heartbroken protagonist through the harsh realities of the musical theater world rather than a romantic French landscape. Unlike the Beast from the fairy tale, the monster in this story does not undergo a significant redemptive arc. Instead, he appears as a whiny, challenging roommate who eventually becomes supportive of Laura and confronts the true antagonist: her ex. Initially, Monster is the worst roommate imaginable, startling Laura at unexpected moments, arguing over the thermostat and TV, and wishing for her to leave almost immediately as she processes her heartbreak. Their relationship never quite achieves the satisfying depth of its inspiration.
The narrative is inspired by Lindy's personal journey of being left by a long-term boyfriend while undergoing cancer treatment. It bears some resemblance to this year's earlier film, "Lisa Frankenstein," which labeled itself as "A coming of RAGE love story." Similar to that film, "Your Monster" is driven by rage, but Laura's path to empowerment is gradual. It isn't until she sees Jacob with his new girlfriend, Jackie, that she shifts from tears to standing up for herself. With the assistance of a horror movie monster, both "Lisa Frankenstein" and "Your Monster" illustrate how good girls can transform, embrace their darker aspects, and channel their repressed anger through an unconventional romantic partner. However, I wish "Your Monster" had delved deeper into this theme. While it's great to see Barrera back in the limelight after "In the Heights," the musical numbers in "Your Monster" lack the captivating energy needed to fully showcase her vocal abilities. Even in scenes featuring Dewey's Monster at home, Barrera's performance comes off as somewhat over-the-top, filled with excessive screaming and dramatic tears. This inconsistency in tone also affects the storyline. When Laura finally embraces her anger while witnessing Monster in action, it feels somewhat subdued. Her desire for revenge appears almost out of sync, even when she retaliates against a terrible ex in a way many would envy. Ultimately, she isn't truly seeking revenge; she's more preoccupied with trying to win him back until she realizes he isn't worth it. "Your Monster," available for streaming on Hura Watch Movies, presents a mixed experience. It has the potential to be a hit, yet at times, I found myself wishing for the credits to roll sooner. Its uneven and heavy-handed approach to breakups and bad exes may satisfy that revenge craving, but the protagonist seems only half-heartedly engaged. While the concept feels innovative, its execution is rather predictable. When Laura chooses this path, it's evident that Jacob will behave like a callous jerk.
