Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Forgiveness at heart of trans drama with sex, swearing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Monica
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
After receiving the news that her mother is dying, MONICA (Trace Lysette) returns to her estranged family, whom she hasn't seen since her gender affirmation surgery. Acting as a nurse to her memory-impaired mother (Patricia Clarkson), Monica tries to work through the pain of abandonment with a hope for recognition, acceptance, and reconciliation.
Is It Any Good?
Writer-director Andrea Pallaoro examines the challenges of trans life long after transition has happened. Monica doesn't have any questions about her gender identity at this point, but she's lonely and unsettled. The hole in her soul was driven by her mother's rejection, and in her every movement, Monica aches. In an interesting filmmaking choice, Pallaoro rarely allows Monica and some of the other characters to be fully seen, shooting at angles that hide their faces and instead filming the backs of their heads or their torsos, or filming them through reflections. It's a frustrating acknowledgment that Pallaoro knows that the viewers want to see Monica -- who she is, her story, her current situation, and what drives her -- but has chosen to deny us the satisfaction. Though Monica's inner life may be held back, Lysette gives us her all through her portrayal of a woman trying to topple her trauma with dignity and immense self-control.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about parent-child relationships and how those relationships change -- or don't -- as kids become adults. Does Monica take a realistic approach when it comes to depicting family dynamics?
Does Monica undermine or reinforce stereotypical portrayals of transgender characters in the media? Why are positive diverse representations important?
Why do you think the director chose to obscure characters' faces? Given that choice, do you think he has presented Monica wholly, or do you think there's something that he (or Monica) is hiding from us?
How does Monica demonstrate courage, perseverance, and self-control? Why are those valuable character strengths? Is she a role model?
How are drinking and smoking portrayed? Are they glamorized? Are there realistic consequences? Why does that matter?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 12, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : May 30, 2023
- Cast : Trace Lysette , Patricia Clarkson , Emily Browning
- Director : Andrea Pallaoro
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Transgender Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : IFC Films
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Perseverance , Self-control
- Run time : 106 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sexual content, nudity and language
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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