YOUR MONSTER

(director/writer: Caroline Lindy; cinematographer: Will Stone; editors: Jon Higgins, Daysha Broadway; music: Tim Williams; cast: Melissa Barrera (Laura Franco), Edmund Donovan (Jacob), Tommy Dewey (Monster), Meghann Fany (Jackie Dennon), Brandon Victor Dixon (Will), Kayla Foster (Mazie Silverberg); Runtime: 103; MPAA Rating: R; producers: Caroline Lindy, Melanie Donkers, Kira Carstensen, Kayla Foster, Shannon Reilly; Vertical; 2024)

“Anti rom-com horror pic that offers a challenging rant over feminine rage.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

Caroline Lindy is the first time feature film director and writer of this anti rom-com horror pic that offers a challenging rant over feminine inner rage, as she expands her same titled 2020 short.


The soft-spoken Laura Franco (Melissa Barrera) is a lonely 20something aspiring Broadway actress in NYC whose asshole boyfriend Jacob (Edmund Donovan) dumped her and stole her musical score they collaborated on while she is recovering from cancer surgery. She then discovers she has a monster (Tommy Dewey) hidden in her closet ( a projection of her psyche), that will eventually turn out to be the best thing that happened to her.

Her daffy best friend and fellow actress Mazie (Kayla Foster), goes regularly to the gym or to auditions even though she assured Laura that she would be there for her in her time of need no matter what. Even Laura’s own mother never looks in on her, just leaves her some cash and goodies as she recuperates in her childhood home.

Left alone with the deadpan talking Monster, leads to their friendship. They discuss Shakespeare, watch old movies together and enjoy Chinese takeout. He’s sexy, funny and charming, taking on the role of an ideal boyfriend.

With the Monster’s encouragement, Laura once again feels she has a life to live.

The film struggles to tie things together in the end, as it morphs into a sweet revenge story on Jacob. 

It played at the Sundance Film Festival.

REVIEWED ON 11/12/2024  GRADE: B-
dennisschwartzreviews.com