🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Ana Lily Amirpour
- Genre: Fantasy, Thriller, Sci-Fi, Comedy
- Release year: 2022
- Runtime (length): 1h 46min
- IMDb rating: 6.2/10 (6.2K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 58%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A Korean mind-controller escapes a mental asylum and becomes besties with a stripper in New Orleans, all while evading a cop who shot himself in the leg because of her.
🍿 Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Escape from the Asylum
The film opens with Mona Lisa, a young woman with telekinetic powers, escaping from a mental asylum. She endures abusive treatment and uses her abilities to manipulate her captors, setting the stage for her journey in New Orleans. This escape introduces her unique powers and hints at a troubled past.

Encounters in New Orleans
In New Orleans, Mona Lisa encounters a struggling single mother and stripper named Bonnie. Bonnie recognizes the potential in Mona Lisa’s powers and takes her in, seeing an opportunity to make money. This sets off a series of events where Bonnie exploits Mona Lisa’s abilities for financial gain.

The Pursuit
As Mona Lisa and Bonnie’s actions become more conspicuous, a determined police officer, Harold, begins to pursue them. Harold’s relentless pursuit adds tension to the narrative as he tries to bring Mona Lisa back to the asylum, complicating her newfound freedom.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Mona ‘Lisa’ Lee (Jeon Jong-seo): A mysterious mental asylum escapee with mind-control powers who navigates the vibrant streets of New Orleans.
- Bonnie Hunt (Kate Hudson): A struggling single mother and exotic dancer who sees an opportunity in Mona’s unusual abilities.
- Officer Harold (Craig Robinson): A determined police officer relentlessly pursuing Mona after becoming a victim of her powers.
- Fuzz (Ed Skrein): A local drug dealer and small-time criminal who has a brief encounter with Mona.
- Charles ‘Charlie’ Hunt (Evan Whitten): Bonnie’s precocious son who forms an unexpected bond with Mona.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Fuzz: “I may deal drugs once in a while, but that don’t make me no drug dealer. I’m a DJ, baby boy.” – Fuzz tries to explain his lifestyle, highlighting his priorities when confronted by someone.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: $123,508
💥 Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon Reviews
Personal Review
I absolutely loved the atmosphere of this movie! New Orleans at night, the pulsing soundtrack, and the whole ‘escaped mental patient with mind control’ thing just *worked*. Jeon Jong-seo was amazing, and seeing Kate Hudson in such a different role was a real treat. There were a few scenes, like when Mona Lisa first uses her powers, that genuinely gave me chills. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely a unique and memorable film that I’ll be recommending to friends.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of indie films”
- “Viewers interested in fantasy thrillers”
- “Those who appreciate unique visual styles and soundtracks”
- “Audiences who enjoy character-driven stories”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Language throughout”
- “Sexual material”
- “Some violence”
- “Brief drug use”
Professional Reviews
- IndieWire: “Amirpour blends fantasy, thriller, and neo-noir, showcasing a unique visual style and engaging storytelling. Jeon Jong-seo delivers an understated yet powerful performance, while Kate Hudson shines in an against-type role. The film’s atmospheric direction and pulsating soundtrack elevate the experience.
- Screen Daily: “A feverish and fantastical thriller set in New Orleans, Amirpour’s film benefits from Jeon Jong-seo’s quiet charisma as a mental asylum escapee with mind-control powers. While plot holes occasionally distract, the film’s visual flair and solid performances, especially from Kate Hudson, make for an engaging watch.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “A visually striking film that struggles to balance its quirky characters and supernatural premise. While Jeon Jong-seo is captivating, and Hudson delivers a memorable performance, the plot meanders, lacking a strong narrative drive. However, Amirpour’s unique direction keeps the viewing experience interesting.
Audience Reactions
Kate Hudson’s unexpected role as Bonnie the stripper was a standout, delivering a performance that surprised and impressed many viewers.: Viewers generally praised the film’s unique visual style, atmospheric soundtrack, and the lead actress Jeon Jong-seo’s captivating performance.
The film’s quirky and unconventional plot kept viewers engaged and guessing, making it a refreshing departure from typical superhero or thriller narratives.: Many appreciated the movie’s originality and the blending of different genres, creating a memorable and distinct viewing experience.
Overall Consensus: A visually stylish and quirky thriller with strong performances, but its unconventional plot and lack of clear explanations may not appeal to all viewers.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Zac Efron was originally cast in the role eventually played by Ed Skrein.”
- “The movie was filmed on location in New Orleans, Louisiana, capturing the city’s unique atmosphere and aesthetic.”
- “Director Ana Lily Amirpour is known for reversing and twisting traditional gender roles, which is evident in the film’s characters and story.”
🖥️ How to Watch Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon?
Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon is currently available for streaming through various platforms. You can find it on major streaming services like Prime Video and Apple TV, where it may be available for rent or purchase. Check local listings for availability on cable on-demand services. For physical media collectors, the film can be purchased on Blu-ray and DVD from retailers like Amazon and major department stores.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon, you might like these similar films:
- A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014): Shares a similar visual style and exploration of unconventional characters in a stylized setting, also directed by Ana Lily Amirpour.
- Midnight Special (2016): Features a child with supernatural powers on the run, pursued by authorities and seeking to understand their abilities.
- Repo Man (1984): A cult classic with a similar quirky tone and exploration of subcultures, featuring a protagonist who gets involved in unusual and dangerous situations.
🛒 Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon Related Products
- Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon [Blu-ray]: Own a piece of this unique film with the Blu-ray edition, featuring high-definition visuals and bonus content. Perfect for collectors and fans of indie thrillers.
- Mind Control: The Ultimate Guide to Hypnosis, Persuasion, and NLP: Explore the techniques of mind control and persuasion. Learn how to influence and motivate others with expert insights and real-world examples.
- New Orleans Cityscape Poster: Bring the vibrant atmosphere of New Orleans into your home with this stunning cityscape poster. Perfect for fans of the movie’s setting.
- Kate Hudson Movie Collection [DVD]: Enjoy a collection of Kate Hudson’s best movies on DVD. Relive her classic performances and celebrate her talent.
🎧 Soundtrack
Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon is available on streaming platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV, where you can rent or purchase it. Check local listings for cable on-demand options.
The film follows a young woman with telekinetic powers who escapes from a mental asylum and navigates the streets of New Orleans, encountering various characters and challenges along the way.
The film stars Jeon Jong-seo as Mona Lisa, Kate Hudson as Bonnie, and Craig Robinson as Officer Harold.
🔥 Bonus Content
Hey, minions! Did you STEAL the Mona Lisa? 😧 #movie #shorts
Ever wonder if the Minions were art thieves? This quick video dives into some fun movie facts, and honestly, it’s pretty wild to think about how much detail goes into these films. Check it out and see if you learn something new!
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