Heartbreak is tough, especially during medical crises and career betrayals. How can one make heartbreak easier to bear? By embracing your inner monster, along with your rage. In Caroline Lindy’s film Your Monster, an up-and-coming actress faces heartbreak when her big break and relationship end because she has to get treatment for cancer.
Her narcissistic director boyfriend cannot handle it and leaves her when she is at her most vulnerable. She feels lost until a monster from her closet shows up to teach her how to embrace her anger in this charming and unique horror-romantic comedy.
What Is Your Monster About?
Laura, played by Melissa Barrera, is a mess. The talented young actress is looking forward to her big break with director Jacob, played by Edmund Donovan. Jacob has written the central role in his brand-new Broadway musical just for her. Everything seems perfect until Laura is diagnosed with cancer.
This news changes everything. Jacob, unable to handle her illness, breaks up with her during her treatment. His cowardice hits Laura hard, and she spirals into depression. She spends her days crying and eating her feelings.
While Laura is in this deep sadness, a monster, played by Tommy Dewey, appears. This sarcastic humanoid beast has lived in her home, hiding in the closet all along. He arrives to remind Laura of her inner strength and help her embrace her emotions.
The monster teaches Laura to find her voice and gain the confidence to audition for the role that was written for her. However, in a cruel twist, the part goes to a famous actress named Jackie, played by Meghann Fahy, who did not even audition. Instead, Laura is left awkwardly as the understudy at Jacob’s request.
The Monster and Laura Have a Long History
The film begins on a dark and stormy night when Laura is having a pity party. The monster crashes this party. He has lived in Laura’s childhood home, hiding in her closet. He wants her to move out because he is tired of being there. However, seeing Laura in such a sad state, the monster takes pity on her. He allows her two weeks to pull herself together.
During these two weeks, Laura and the monster bond over Chinese takeout and classic films. The monster encourages Laura to pursue her dreams and stand up for herself. As they spend more time together, their relationship evolves. They move from being antagonistic roommates to frenemies, and eventually to romantic interests.
When the two weeks are almost up, the monster expresses a desire for Laura to stay. He shows her his lair, which is filled with old stuffed animals and other childhood items. During this visit, the monster reveals that he and Laura have a history. When Laura was younger, she had a frightening encounter with the monster, which ended with her pushing him away. After that, he disappeared until now.
Jacob Isn’t the Only One To Betray Laura
While Jacob’s betrayal starts the film off on a bad note, it is not the only betrayal Laura faces. Throughout the movie, Laura’s friend Mazie, played by Kayla Foster, assures her that she is Laura’s “ride or die.” However, Mazie frequently leaves Laura for auditions or for her own convenience. This strange behavior from Mazie becomes more noticeable as the film progresses.
Mazie seems supportive but often chooses to prioritize her own career over her friendship with Laura. At one point, she downplays the idea of auditioning for Jacob’s production, but then she shows up for the first rehearsal. This inconsistency makes Laura question her loyalty. Laura also catches Jacob flirting with another woman during a rehearsal, which adds to her feelings of betrayal.
After a particularly intense rehearsal, Laura confronts Jacob, expressing her anger at him for his treatment of her. Mazie, however, seems to side with Jacob, which frustrates Laura even more. When Laura calls out Mazie for her constant absence, Mazie retaliates with a hurtful comment about Laura’s lack of support, including the absence of a boyfriend. This low blow hurts Laura deeply.
Later, Mazie and Jacob have a serious talk that turns intimate. Laura, feeling betrayed and alone, comes home to realize she neglected a special occasion with the monster.
Eventually, she discovers that her so-called friend Mazie has been seeing Jacob behind her back. Mazie’s betrayal cuts deep, especially since it began before Laura’s cancer diagnosis. Mazie begs for forgiveness, but Laura’s response is cold and firm: she does not forgive her.
The Monster’s Reality Is Ambiguous
A big question lingers throughout Your Monster: is the monster real? First, there is the issue of whether a monster could actually live in a hidden part of Laura’s home. The film introduces supernatural elements that might explain the monster’s existence, even if they seem odd.
The monster has his own preferences and conflicts with Laura frequently, but he also becomes a perfect match for her. He possesses secret musical talent and a passion for the theater. More importantly, he constantly reinforces Laura’s worth when she doubts herself.
Even when he learns that she spent the night with Jacob, his anger comes from a place of care. He emphasizes that Jacob does not love her, which helps Laura remember her own values.
Still from Your Monster (Credit: Vertical)
Another point to consider is that no one else verifies the monster’s existence. This includes a costume party scene where Laura and the monster dance publicly. While it is possible that others simply ignore him, it leaves room for doubt about whether he is truly real.
Two key moments suggest that the monster might not exist. One instance occurs when Laura sees Jacob being intimate with another woman at the party. Laura freezes in shock as the monster angrily pushes past her to confront Jacob. When this happens, it subtly implies that Laura’s anger is a part of her identity that emerges when she feels wronged.
Additionally, during an argument after Laura reveals her encounter with Jacob, the monster yells at her, “Look at yourself!” Laura responds, “I am looking at myself!”
This exchange raises the possibility that the monster represents Laura’s suppressed anger about her treatment. The film leaves it ambiguous until the end, but it seems likely that the monster is a manifestation of Laura’s inner turmoil.
How Does Your Monster End?
Much of Your Monster focuses on Laura’s belief that Jackie is involved with Jacob. Jackie, who got the role without auditioning, also seems flirtatious with Jacob. However, when Jackie discovers that Jacob and Laura were once together, her perspective shifts. She is shocked to learn about Laura’s illness and feels guilty for not knowing the truth.
Later, Jackie meets Laura for a walk to clear up the misunderstandings. She explains that she did not know Laura was sick or that she had a past with Jacob. Jackie is upset with Jacob for his actions and helps Laura find a way to reclaim her role in the production. Jackie arranges for Laura to secretly take over the role for the film’s premiere, giving her a chance to shine.
Laura performs brilliantly, and the audience applauds her talent. However, during intermission, Jacob becomes furious over her unexpected performance. Laura seems distant, caught up in her own thoughts. Jacob angrily confronts her about her actions, leading to a heated argument. Laura warns him to be careful with his words, threatening to “rip his. F*cking. Throat out!!”
When the performance resumes, Laura appears covered in blood, and the atmosphere shifts dramatically. During intermission, just before her big song, the monster appears behind Jacob. He turns around, confused as he sees the monster. This moment serves as a turning point in the story.
The monster attacks Jacob, and Laura reconciles with him afterward. Their moment is both sweet and violent. The film cuts to Laura delivering an impressive performance, but the audience soon realizes that Jacob is lying dead on stage. The graphic nature of this scene shocks everyone, and Laura stands there, thrilled yet blood-covered.
While it seems clear that the monster exists in Laura’s mind, the scene after Jacob’s death complicates things. Laura is not actually covered in blood, suggesting that what happened may have been a vision.
Earlier in the film, she admits to the monster that she blacked out during her audition and did not remember it afterward. This leads to the interpretation that she likely envisioned ripping Jacob’s throat out, though the ending remains ambiguous.
Themes of Anger and Healing
Your Monster touches on important themes, particularly anger and healing. Laura’s journey shows how anger can be a powerful emotion, one that can fuel change. Her relationship with the monster helps her recognize that anger is not something to fear but to understand. By embracing her anger, Laura begins to reclaim her life and her identity.
Another significant theme is betrayal. Jacob’s and Mazie’s actions demonstrate how betrayal can come from those we trust the most. These betrayals add layers to Laura’s heartbreak, making her journey to healing more complex. The film highlights the importance of recognizing who truly supports us and who does not.
Still from Your Monster (Credit: Vertical)
The film also emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy. Laura learns to stand up for herself, both in her relationships and her career. She evolves from a passive character into someone who fights for her dreams and desires. This transformation is central to the story, showing how personal growth can emerge from difficult experiences.
Conclusion
Your Monster is a unique blend of horror and romance that shows the depths of heartbreak and the journey to healing. Through Laura’s story, viewers see the importance of embracing one’s emotions, including anger, to reclaim one’s power.
The film’s ambiguous ending invites viewers to consider the complexities of identity and the role of supportive relationships in our lives.
By facing the challenges of betrayal, illness, and self-discovery, Laura’s character resonates with anyone who has faced adversity. In embracing her inner monster, Laura reminds us all that it is okay to feel and express our anger, ultimately leading to empowerment and healing.
Prime Video continues to expand its library of spy-themed television series with the upcoming release of Citadel: Honey Bunny. Set to debut on November 7, 2024, this new series adds to the growing Citadel universe that has already attracted viewers with its thrilling narrative and complex characters.
Honey Bunny is the latest spin-off of the original Citadel show, created by the Russo brothers, Joe and Anthony Russo, known for their work on the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The Foundation of Citadel: The Main Series
The Citadel series introduces us to the titular organization, which operates independently of any nation or government. Their primary mission is to protect the world from various threats, making them a unique player in the espionage world. However, the series quickly reveals that not all is as it seems.
In the pilot episode, titled “The Human,” we witness the chaos that unfolds when Citadel comes under attack from Manticore. The story follows Mason Kane and Nadia Sinh as they face a treacherous situation aboard a train.
Manticore agents ambush them, resulting in a violent firefight. During this attack, a grenade is detonated, causing the train to derail. Mason survives, but the explosion leaves him with no memory of his past as a Citadel agent.
Eight years later, Mason, now living under the name Kyle Conroy, has built a new life. He is happily married and has a daughter. However, his ordinary life is disrupted when Bernard Orlick, a Citadel handler played by Stanley Tucci, finds him. Bernard informs Mason that Manticore is still a threat and needs his help to recover important Citadel intel that could change the balance of power in the world.
Unbeknownst to Mason, Nadia also survived the train crash. Bernard helps her regain her memories using Citadel technology, but Mason’s memories remain elusive.
As they work together, the tension between them grows due to their complicated history. Mason is thrown back into a dangerous world of espionage, and shocking revelations begin to surface.
Betrayals and Complex Relationships in Citadel
One of the most compelling aspects of the Citadel narrative is its scheme of loyalty and betrayal. Throughout Season 1, hints suggest that a Citadel agent played a role in Manticore’s attack. This mystery keeps viewers engaged as they attempt to piece together the puzzle.
Initially, suspicions fall on Nadia. However, as the story unfolds, it is revealed that Mason was the agent who betrayed Citadel to Manticore. The betrayal becomes even more personal when we learn that Mason’s mother, Dahlia Archer, is the head of Manticore. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to Mason’s character.
He did not turn against Citadel lightly; his mother revealed that his father had died during an operation launched by the organization. This twist complicates the traditional hero-villain dynamic, making it difficult to categorize characters strictly as good or evil.
As the season progresses, more secrets come to light. Mason and Nadia share a daughter, adding another layer of complexity to their relationship. Furthermore, Mason’s wife, Abbey, played by Ashleigh Cummings, is also revealed to be a Citadel operative. These interconnected relationships create a rich scheme of drama and intrigue, setting the stage for further developments in future seasons.
Citadel: Diana — A Spin-Off That Goes Deeper
While Citadel focuses on Mason and Nadia, the spin-off Citadel: Diana takes a different approach. This series follows Matilda De Angelis’ character, Diana, who finds herself deep within Manticore as a double agent. The show examines her struggles as she tries to maintain her loyalty to Citadel while facing the dangerous world of espionage.
Diana is on a mission to recover Jupiter, a bioweapon that Manticore seemingly lost while raiding the Citadel archives. As she hunts for the drives containing Jupiter’s blueprints, she grapples with her personal life.
Her spy activities create a rift between her and her sister, Sara (Giordana Faggiano). Additionally, Diana develops a growing attraction to Edo (Lorenzo Cervasio), a Manticore operative.
The series shows the emotional toll that a life of espionage takes on its characters. Diana’s internal conflicts are mirrored in her relationships, especially with her sister and her newfound love interest.
When Edo acquires Jupiter, which is revealed to be a stream of nanobots capable of controlling bodily functions, the stakes escalate. Edo uses the weapon to protect Diana when her life is threatened, showcasing the complexities of their relationship.
As with the original Citadel, Citadel: Diana emphasizes the personal costs of spycraft. The series leaves viewers eager to see how the dynamics between Diana and Edo will evolve in future seasons.
The Future of the Citadel Universe
The Citadel franchise shows no signs of slowing down. In addition to Citadel: Diana and Citadel: Honey Bunny, there are plans for more spin-offs. This expansion is made possible by the global nature of the Citadel concept, which allows for diverse stories and characters from various backgrounds.
In an interview with Deadline, Anthony Russo discussed the creative process behind the franchise. He emphasized the importance of collaboration in developing the Citadel universe. “It really is dependent on picking the right partners to pull something off collaboratively.
Some people are built for it and some people aren’t,” he explained. This collaborative approach allows for remarkable storytelling and unique perspectives within the spy genre.
As the Citadel franchise expands, new cast members join the mix, including Matt Berry, Rahul Kohli, and Merle Dandridge. Each new addition brings fresh energy to the series and offers new opportunities for character development.
Citadel: Honey Bunny promises to be a thrilling addition to the franchise. The trailer hints that agents Bunny (Varun Dhawan) and Honey (Samantha Ruth Prabhu) will share a dynamic reminiscent of the relationship between Mason and Nadia in the original Citadel. This new series also aims to show the origins of the Citadel organization and the beginnings of its battle with Manticore.
Conclusion: The Rich Storytelling of the Citadel Franchise
The Citadel universe has captured audiences with its intricate storytelling, rich character development, and the moral ambiguity of its characters. As Citadel: Honey Bunny prepares to make its debut, fans can look forward to further schemes of the spy genre through the lens of these compelling narratives.
The emotional stakes remain high as characters face the dangerous world of espionage, balancing personal relationships with their duty to protect the world from threats like Manticore. With each new series and spin-off, the Citadel franchise continues to push the boundaries of traditional spy stories, offering fresh and exciting perspectives on this genre.
Still from Citadel Honey Bunny (Credit: Prime Video)
As Prime Video expands its offerings with Citadel: Honey Bunny, viewers are eager to see how the story unfolds and what new secrets will be revealed. The anticipation builds as the series prepares to go deeper into the lives of its characters and the complex web of espionage that surrounds them. With the promise of more thrilling adventures to come, the Citadel universe is poised for continued success in the television world.
Fans can catch up on Citadel and Citadel: Diana, both available to stream on Prime Video in the U.S. as they eagerly await the premiere of Citadel: Honey Bunny.
