Your Monster is the latest horror/romance story to sink your teeth into – The Arbiter

Monday nights are the best nights – why is that, you ask? Every few Mondays, Regal Cinemas shows a “Monday Mystery Movie,” in which an unreleased film is shown in order to get the audience excited about new films.

With a number of great films coming to theaters soon, such as A24’s Heretic and Jesse Eisenberg’s A Real Pain, expectations were high for this screening. However, nothing could have prepared me for the near-masterpiece that was screened as a mystery film on October 21st.

“Your Monster” opens with upbeat music, bright colors and a depressing image – our protagonist Laura (Melissa Berrera) in the hospital, where we learn she is battling cancer and recovering from surgery. During her hospital stay, her boyfriend Jacob (Edmund Donovan) breaks up with her after five years together because her cancer has become too difficult and he needs “me time”.

Heartbroken, Laura lives alone in her absent mother’s house and struggles to adjust to her new loneliness. She also learns that the play that she developed with Jacob during their relationship and in which he promised her the lead role is going on stage without her.

One night, in the midst of her misery, she meets an unusual companion: a monster who lives in her closet.

“Monster” (Tommy Dewey) initially frightens Laura with his callous and insensitive behavior, which becomes clear when he asks her to leave. The couple finally agree that they can both stay in the house – but only as a couple. It will still be a few weeks before Laura can find another place to live.

Their relationship slowly transforms from one of resentment and cohabitation to a budding friendship with an abundance of laughs and life lessons.

Your Monster is classified as a horror/romance novel and is written and directed by Caroline Lindy. Originally, “Your Monster” was a grant-funded 16-minute short film with the same name and similar plot, released in 2020. In fact, Your Monster (2024) is Lindy’s first feature film ever – which is shocking considering the level of skill the filmmakers are at.

“Your Monster” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival London in January 2024, where it won the Audience Favorite award. It’s clear why it received such high praise.

From the opening scene to the end credits, Your Monster was a scary good time. The filming style and camera work weren’t necessarily unique, but they served the film well. The writing style was fun and had a good balance of horror, comedy and romance that felt both modern and timeless.

Overall, it was an excellent entry into the film scene and an amazing first start for a director transitioning from shorts to features.

The performances by Melissa Berrera and Tommy Dewey were entertaining and engaging. Dewey’s direct and casual delivery made him endearing despite his terrible appearance.

Dewey’s costume is what I imagine Beast from Beauty and the Beast would be like if he were part of the New York art scene. With long hair, a beard too big for his face, and a casual wardrobe, Monster is hardly scary – until he has to be.

“Your Monster” is more comedic than scary, which detracts from the film slightly. When we’re first introduced to “Monster,” the introduction is so light and lacking much tension that it feels more awkward than frightening.

Had Monster’s reveal lasted longer, his character might have had a more sinister aura surrounding him, which would have helped audiences take him a little more seriously.

Despite the lack of hardcore horror, Your Monster is still an excellent film – but expect more of a romantic comedy with a supernatural twist.

Berrera, famous for her roles in Scream (2022), Scream VI, Abigail and In the Heights, continued to explore the horror genre while showcasing her singing talent.

Berrera isn’t reinventing the wheel by any means, but she plays her character well and delivers exactly what was promised: a stunning girl who learns to find her voice – both literally and figuratively.

Her singing talent is wonderful and adds another layer to her character, but don’t worry – “Your Monster” does contain musical elements, but it’s not a full-fledged musical.

“Your Monster” is reminiscent of Zelda Williams’ 2024 film “Lisa Frakenstein.” In each story, we see a struggling girl form an unlikely bond with a supernatural figure, including our main characters (in this case Lisa and Laura). helps you grow into yourself.

Both directed by female powerhouses and starring up-and-coming female leads (Kathryn Newton as Lisa), Lisa Frakenstein and Your Monster are set in the horror/comedy/romance genre and are excellent films for those who haven’t already have outgrown their monster obsessions.

If the plot alone isn’t enough to grab your attention, there are some fun twists in “Your Monster” that will keep you on the edge of your seat. After all, everything is on the table when you make friends with the monster in your closet.

My biggest recommendation for anyone wanting to see “Your Monster” is to avoid the trailer at all costs. Unfortunately, it spoils many interesting key moments that would be better discovered in the theater.

“Your Monster” will be released on October 25, 2024 and is perfect for anyone looking for a spooky romance for this Halloween season – or any season. The watch is so fun you’ll want to come back to see more or start searching the dark corner at the back of your closet. Either way, I don’t blame you.