Monster Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A down-on-her-luck prostitute meets a clingy lesbian, becomes a serial killer, and blames everyone but herself, all while rocking some seriously questionable 80s fashion.

🍿 Monster: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Aileen and Selby’s First Encounter

The film opens with Aileen Wuornos, a struggling prostitute, contemplating suicide. She decides to spend her last few dollars on a drink at a gay bar where she meets Selby Wall, a young woman sent by her family to Florida to ‘cure’ her homosexuality. The two quickly form a bond, and Aileen abandons her suicide plan.

Escalation of Violence and Murder

Desperate for money, Aileen returns to prostitution. One night, a client violently assaults her, leading to her killing him in self-defense. This act marks a turning point, and Aileen begins a series of murders, targeting her clients and taking their money and cars. She justifies her actions as protecting herself from further abuse.

Selby’s Growing Suspicion

As the bodies pile up, Selby becomes increasingly suspicious of Aileen’s activities. The tension between them grows as Selby grapples with the realization that the woman she loves is a serial killer. Aileen’s erratic behavior and the news reports of the murders fuel Selby’s fear and distrust.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Aileen (Charlize Theron): Aileen is a troubled prostitute who becomes a serial killer after a violent encounter, seeking love and a better life but spiraling into darkness.
• Selby (Christina Ricci): Selby is a young, naive lesbian who becomes Aileen’s lover and relies on her for support, struggling to understand Aileen’s violent actions.
• Thomas (Bruce Dern): Thomas is a kind but lonely acquaintance of Aileen who offers her genuine compassion.
• Vincent Corey (Lee Tergesen): Vincent Corey is a john that Aileen encounters while hitchhiking.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Aileen: “I robbed ’em, and I killed ’em cold as ice. And I’d do it again, too.” – Aileen’s chilling confession reflects her remorselessness and descent into a cold-blooded killer.
• Aileen: “I just want to say I’m sailing with the rock, and I’ll be back, like Independence Day, with Jesus, June 6. Like the movie, big mothership and all, I’ll be back.” – Wuornos’s bizarre statement showcases her mental instability and disconnection from reality during her final court appearance.
• Selby: “I don’t know what’s going on, but I don’t like it.” – Selby expresses her growing unease and fear as Aileen’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic and violent.
• Aileen: “I’m not a bad person! I’m not!” – Aileen’s desperate plea reveals her internal struggle and denial of her own monstrous actions.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $8,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $34,469,210
• Worldwide Gross: $58,469,210

💥 Monster Reviews

Personal Review

I was absolutely floored by ‘Monster’. Charlize Theron’s transformation is unbelievable, and the way the movie handles Aileen’s story is just devastating. The scene where she tries to get a ‘real’ job and just can’t…it really stuck with me. I left the theater feeling like I had seen something truly important, even though it was incredibly difficult to watch at times. Definitely not a feel-good movie, but a must-see for anyone interested in complex characters and powerful performances.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of true crime stories”
  • “Those interested in character-driven dramas”
  • “Viewers who appreciate strong female performances”
  • “Those interested in LGBTQ+ themed films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Sexual assault”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Disturbing themes”
  • “Lesbian relationship with some sexual content”

Professional Reviews

• Rolling Stone: “Charlize Theron delivers a career-defining performance, disappearing completely into the role of Aileen Wuornos. ‘Monster’ is a harrowing, unforgettable portrait of a damaged soul.
• The New York Times: “‘Monster’ is a disturbing and powerful film anchored by Charlize Theron’s transformative performance. It avoids sensationalism, focusing instead on the tragic circumstances that shaped Aileen Wuornos’ life.
• Variety: “Director Patty Jenkins crafts a gritty, unflinching look at Aileen Wuornos’ life and crimes. Theron’s portrayal is both terrifying and heartbreaking, solidifying her status as a major talent.

Audience Reactions

Charlize Theron’s acting was so convincing, it made me forget I was watching a movie.: Viewers widely praise Charlize Theron’s authentic portrayal of Aileen Wuornos.

The movie showed how tragic her past was which makes you feel bad for her in a way, despite her horrific actions.: Many appreciate the film’s exploration of Aileen Wuornos’ troubled life and the factors that led to her crimes.

Overall Consensus: ‘Monster’ is a critically acclaimed film praised for Charlize Theron’s transformative performance and its unflinching portrayal of a controversial figure. While disturbing, it offers a complex and thought-provoking look at a troubled life.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Actress)- 2004
2. Golden Globe Award (Best Actress – Motion Picture Drama)- 2004

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Charlize Theron gained 30 pounds for the role and wore prosthetic teeth to more closely resemble Aileen Wuornos.”
• “Patty Jenkins, the writer and director, gained access to hundreds of letters written by Aileen Wuornos to gain insight into her life and motivations.”
• “The filmmakers shot on location in Florida, near where the actual crimes took place, adding a layer of authenticity to the film.”

🖥️ How to Watch Monster?

Monster is available for purchase or rental on various platforms, including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability. Some platforms may also offer subscription options that include access to the film.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Monster, you might like these similar films:

• Boys Don’t Cry (1999): Both films explore the tragic lives of marginalized individuals struggling with identity and societal prejudice, leading to violence.
• Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer (1986): A disturbing and realistic portrayal of a serial killer’s life, focusing on the banality of evil and lack of remorse.
• The Devil’s Advocate (1997): Charlize Theron in another role. Explores morality, choices, evil and the human condition
• American Psycho (2000): Deals with themes of violence, identity, and the dark underbelly of society, told from the perspective of a deeply flawed protagonist.
• Joker (2019): Examines the origins of a disturbed individual and how societal factors contribute to their descent into violence and madness.

🛒 Monster Related Products

• Monster (Blu-ray): Own the critically acclaimed film on Blu-ray and experience Charlize Theron’s Oscar-winning performance in stunning high definition with bonus content.
• Aileen Wuornos: The Selling of a Serial Killer (DVD): Nick Broomfield’s chilling documentary about Aileen Wuornos, offering a raw and unfiltered look into her life and psyche. Provides a deeper understanding of the events portrayed in ‘Monster’.
• Charlize Theron Signed Autograph Photo – ‘Monster’ Film: Authentic signed photo of Charlize Theron as Aileen Wuornos from ‘Monster.’ A rare and valuable piece for collectors and fans of the film.
• True Crime: Aileen Wuornos: Serial Killer Next Door: A very detailed true crime account of Aileen Wuornos’s life, her crimes, and her trial. It has never been surpassed or updated. It includes an immense amount of information about her early childhood to adulthood.

🎧 Soundtrack

Monster features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Don’t Stop Believin'” – performed by Journey
• “All She Wants Is” – performed by Duran Duran

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

One Hour Photo (2002) – Monster Madness 2019

Hey there, movie buff! If you’re a fan of Robin Williams and psychological thrillers, you’ll love this review of One Hour Photo from Monster Madness 2019. It explores the dark side of obsession and how it can transform someone into a metaphorical ‘monster’. Give it a watch!

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