Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Oddball horror romcom with sex, language, violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Your Monster
What's the Story?
In YOUR MONSTER, actress Laura (Melissa Barrera) is recovering from cancer treatment and a sudden breakup when she discovers a Monster (Tommy Dewey) in her closet. As the two learn to coexist, they teach each other how to open up, unleashing Monster's softer side and Laura's inner rage.
Is It Any Good?
This debut movie from writer-director Caroline Lindy is a bold and unusual mix of horror, romcom, and musical. Your Monster has a lot going on, and much of it works, but there are moments where the humor doesn't quite hit, the emotional scenes don't feel earned, and it struggles to set its tone. When it does get it right, the off-kilter style offers plenty of memorable moments and the chemistry between Barrera and Dewey makes the relationship, however knowingly cliched, ultimately pretty believable. Characters fall into caricature elsewhere, particularly Edmund Donovan's arrogant, womanizing Jacob, which makes it all the easier to root for the over-the-top payoff we all know is coming. It's a promising first feature that bodes well for a more finely tuned sophomore offering.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the concept of monsters in Your Monster. What about Monster makes him a monster—his looks, his behavior? What aspects make him more human? Do other characters have monstrous traits?
Discuss the violence in the movie. Did you find it scary? Exciting? Both? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
What did the strong language contribute to the movie? Is a certain level of language expected in a film like this? If so, why?
How did the movie portray sex and relationships? Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
The movie mixes comedy, musical, romance, and horror elements. Did you think it got the balance right? Which parts stood out as successful and which as less so? How did it compare to other movies that combine two or more of these genres?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 25, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : November 12, 2024
- Cast : Melissa Barrera , Tommy Dewey , Meghann Fahy
- Director : Caroline Lindy
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Vertical
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Fantasy
- Run time : 98 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language, some sexual content and brief bloody violence
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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