Melissa Barrera is literally embroiled in a romance with a monster of a man in the Sundance-selected film, "Your Monster," a captivating tale penned and helmed by Caroline Lindy, who drew inspiration from her own 2020 short film of the same name. Barrera, a star of "Abigail" and the former "Scream" franchise, takes on the role of Lindy's surrogate, Laura, an actress reeling from heartbreak. Her fury unexpectedly morphs into a beastly suitor, igniting an unconventional romance.
The official synopsis paints a vivid picture: "'Your Monster' unfolds the tale of Laura Franco (Barrera), a gentle-spoken actress left devastated by her long-term partner (Edmund Donovan) during her post-surgery recovery. Seeking solace in her childhood home, Laura's world turns upside down when she discovers her ex is staging a musical they collaborated on. Amidst these life-altering setbacks, a monster (Tommy Dewey) emerges, fostering a bond with Laura that propels her to pursue her dreams, embrace her emotions, and fall in love with her own inner fury."
The film boasts a stellar cast, including Meghann Fahy, Kayla Foster, Brandon Victor Dixon, Ike Ufomadu, and Lana Young, each contributing to the film's depth and charm. IndieWire's review lauded Barrera and Dewey's on-screen chemistry, describing their unusual dynamic as surprisingly endearing. "The monster, an embodiment of Laura's rage, somehow transcends into a charming figure, thanks to the palpable chemistry between Barrera and Dewey," the review enthuses. "As Laura's life spirals out of control, the monster's affection and empathy for her gradually thaw her heart, transforming their relationship into a romantic comedy...with a bite (and musical numbers to boot!)."
In an interview with IndieWire, Barrera revealed her penchant for embodying relatable characters across diverse genres, from musicals like "In the Heights" to horror films. "Horror takes you to extreme realms that other genres can't, offering a thrilling challenge," she shared. "There's a magnetic allure to humanity's darker side, which horror explores expertly. I've been fortunate to portray intriguing characters brimming with complexity, and it's thrilling to engage audiences with flawed yet relatable personas."
She elaborated, "I find it more intriguing to portray characters deemed unredeemable or disliked on paper. My challenge lies in making audiences fall for them despite their flaws. It's not about making them likable; it's about making them feel real. When viewers recognize a piece of themselves, a sibling, a parent, or an acquaintance in these characters, a connection is instantly forged, transcending their questionable actions."
"Your Monster" roars into theaters on October 25th, promising a thrilling and heartwarming journey. Watch the trailer now and be swept away by this extraordinary tale.
