In Caroline Lindy’s debut feature, Melissa Barrera proves what fans have known all along–that she is a shining talent that the horror genre is honored to put in its spotlight.

“Put On A Happy Face” plays in an opening montage as we watch Laura (Melissa Barrera), an actress and singer, struggle with cancer. Left by her boyfriend while still recovering, and with a mother who remains out of sight, she is picked up from the hospital by her best friend and fellow actress Mazie (Kayla Foster). Without the people she loves, without her career, and without the full range of her beautiful voice, Laura is left to drown her sorrows in the bottom of pie tins and bakery boxes. She is so in need of love, that she even forces a hug out of the Amazon delivery person, who has made frequent stops to deliver an endless supply of tissues. In her lowest of moments, however, she finds that she is not alone. 

Living back in her mother’s house after her devastating break-up, she rediscovers the things she forgot she left behind–like the monster in her closet, referred to only as Monster (Tommy Dewey). Initially insistent that Laura leaves so he can continue living a solitary life in her mother’s house, an “enemies-to-lovers” story in a true “Beauty and the Beast” fashion begins to unravel. Spending their nights eating sesame chicken, watching musicals, and talking about her frustrations with the advancement of her ex-boyfriend Jacob Sullivan’s production, the two begin to form a genuine bond and he continues to help Laura build up her confidence. Despite their break-up, Laura is dead set on showing up to the auditions for “House of Good Women” to read the part that Jacob (Edmund Donovan) wrote for her. In a confused gesture, perhaps out of pity for her situation, he offers for her to be the understudy for the lead role as well as a place among the ensemble cast. However, her proximity to this piece of work that she helped him develop causes her resentments to boil over. 

Surrounded by people who are so willing to throw away their relationships and friendships in the name of ambition, it is refreshing to give your heart to those who have always been in your corner…or your closet…or under your bed. Laura has let not only her medical recovery, but her loving nature take her voice away but her ever-so-charming monster forces her to let loose and admit that the way she has been treated is not okay. Barrera and Dewey’s chemistry is captivating, creating a love story that will certainly become a comfort watch in the years to come. Lindy’s script is quirky and hilarious, making it a great double feature with another “girls and their monsters” film like Lisa Frankenstein. But even its silly moments, like Monster’s affinity for lying under the bed while she vents the frustrations of her day, make your mind wander towards how many vulnerable moments in her life he has spent under her bed, listening and waiting for when he could finally become her shoulder to cry on. 

There is so much heart in Your Monster. There is a careful craft to everything from Matthew Simonelli’s costume design, especially at the glamorous Halloween party that serves as the film’s centerpiece, to the film’s use of music. This film was made by theater kids for theater kids and touches on the difficulties of showbiz and what people will do to get their run on Broadway. Tim Williams’ score, along with original songs by The Lazours, helps imbue the entire film with the whimsy of musical theater. In light of the film’s inspirations, Melissa Barrera certainly shows off her musical talents. After her recent filmography consisting of the Scream franchise and films like Abigail, rightfully earning her recognition as a “Scream Queen,” many of us (especially those who missed In the Heights in 2021) might forget that her career was launched by her talents as a singer. Barrera is the driving force of this film, giving a vulnerable and multifaceted performance that adds so much depth to this romantic comedy. She is fierce and manages to find her voice in an industry that seemed so quick to try to snuff her out. 

We can all learn from Laura’s story and start loving the monsters we carry with us and give a swift claw to anyone who tries to silence us.

Grade: A

Oscars Prospects:
Likely: None
Should be Considered:  Best Lead Actress (Melissa Barrera), Best Costume Design, Best Original Score, Best Make-up & Hairstyling

Release Date: October 25, 2024
Where to Watch: In Select Theaters