Sometimes we hit a wall in our lives. We come to a point where nothing is working and everything feels like it’s falling apart. It’s in those moments, we have to rely on our inner strength. But what happens if that strength is a monster waiting to be unleashed on the world?

The new film Your Monster is about that topic. It comes from writer/director Caroline Lindy and is a feature adaptation of her 2019 short film of the same name. It focuses on a woman who is at the bottom of her journey and looking for a way back up. That way back up comes in the form of a monster who had periodically come to her in times of need.

Laura (Melissa Barrera) is in the hospital. She’s been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing surgery to save her life. At the same time, it just doesn’t work for her boyfriend Jacob (Edmund Donovan), who makes the difficult decision that he needs to focus on himself and leave her. So, now she’s sick and alone.

Her friend, Mazie (Kayla Foster), gets her to her mother’s house but leaves her alone with her thoughts. Before long, Laura stumbles across Monster (Tommy Dewey), who lives in her closet. This isn’t the first time she’s come across monster. He pushes her to move on but, before long, they become fast friends.

When the play she helped develop with Jacob is about to debut, Laura decides to audition for the lead—a role she was once promised was hers. She doesn’t get the part, but she’s invited to serve as part of the chorus and the primary understudy. Laura accepts the job but finds it hard to see Jacob at work and moving on in his personal life.

That leads Laura to lean more on Monster, which ends up having a difficult impact on her life moving forward.

This is a clever tale. There’s comedy, romance, drama, and even musical numbers. All of it comes together in a unique and unexpected way so that by the time you reach the conclusion, you’re completely drawn in. That conclusion, too, is somewhat unexpected in the most delightful way.

Lindy has a vision for the story, and she brings that out through the film. There are fun and touching moments, and very tense moments. The look of the film works well and helps drive the story forward with a third act that is, at times, visually stunning.

And all of it is helped by a great lead performance from Barrera. She shines throughout the film, but particularly in the tense final act. Her presence in the role is great and helps draw you into the story. I also enjoyed Dewey as Monster, a part he played in the 2019 short film as well. He’s funny and engaging, playing beautifully off Barrera.

Your Monster is a different kind of film, but one that fits the season well. It’s worth checking out for those looking for something unique and compelling.

Your Monster opens on Friday, October 25.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.