Every movie year seems to get its own Lisa Frankenstein—a kitschy, self-aware horror rom-com that leans heavily on an oddball, tongue-in-cheek tone. Your Monster (2024), directed by Caroline Lindy and starring Melissa Barrera, is cut from that same cloth, but instead of reviving classic IP like Frankenstein’s monster, it introduces an original hairy beast who resides in the protagonist’s closet. Unfortunately, much like Lisa Frankenstein, this film struggles to find its footing, delivering a melodramatic, low-stakes plot that lacks both urgency and charm.
At its core, Your Monster plays like a Disney Channel original movie—overly polished, awkwardly staged, and never quite as fun or self-aware as it wants to be. It follows Laura Franco (Barrera), a struggling actress whose life is thrown into disarray following a cancer diagnosis and a breakup with her longtime boyfriend and writing partner Jacob (Edmund Donovan). Enter the titular monster (Tommy Dewey), a mysterious and oddly charismatic creature living in Laura’s closet. As Laura rebuilds her confidence, the monster encourages her to stand up for herself, including seeking revenge on Jacob.
The film seems to be aiming for a whimsical Beauty and the Beast vibe, but it lacks the heart and magic needed to sell that premise. The humor is flat, the romance feels forced, and the story plays out like a high-school drama despite its adult protagonist. While Melissa Barrera gives one of her more committed performances, bringing some emotional depth to Laura’s struggles, the film around her simply doesn’t rise to the occasion.
While there’s a long cinematic history of lonely women falling for misunderstood creatures—Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water being the gold standard this century—Your Monster does little to innovate or justify its existence. Unlike del Toro’s fully realized world and emotionally resonant storytelling, this film just sort of happens, without much impact. It’s a quirky, oddball experiment that ultimately feels disposable, fading from memory as quickly as it arrives.
Score: 4/10
Your Monster (2024)
- Cast: Melissa Barrera, Tommy Dewey, Edmund Donovan
- Director: Caroline Lindy
- Genre: Comedy, Horror, Romance
- Runtime: 104 minutes
- Rated: R
- Release Date: October 25, 2024
More Reviews for Movies Starring Melissa Barrera
Cinephile Corner has reviewed the following movies starring Melissa Barrera:
- Scream 5 (2022)
- Scream 6 (2023)
- Your Monster (2024)