Monstrous Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A traumatized mom in the 50s wrestles with a lake monster who’s really just trying to help her let go of her dead son, but she thinks it’s about custody issues with her ex.

🍿 Monstrous: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Fleeing to a New Home

Laura Butler, haunted by her past and escaping an abusive ex-husband, relocates with her seven-year-old son, Cody, to a seemingly idyllic home in rural California in the 1950s. The move is intended to provide a safe haven for them both, away from the trauma they endured. However, their new residence is far from peaceful. The remote location and the eerie presence of a nearby lake soon hint at a sinister presence.

The Monster in the Lake

Cody begins to experience terrifying encounters with a mysterious entity emerging from the lake. Initially fearful, he soon develops a strange connection with the ‘pretty lady from the lake,’ as he calls her. This monster appears as a woman, luring Cody. Laura fights to protect her son, battling both the external threat and her own inner demons. Cody’s insistence on staying with this entity creates conflict and heightens Laura’s anxiety.

Reality Unravels

As the story progresses, inconsistencies and strange occurrences become more pronounced. Laura’s grip on reality weakens, and the idyllic 1950s facade begins to crumble. A birthday party arranged for Cody ends in disappointment when no one attends, highlighting the isolation and fragility of their situation. Her distress leads to conflicts at her workplace and further isolates her from the community.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Laura Butler (Christina Ricci): A traumatized mother who creates a 1950s fantasy world to cope with the death of her son.
• Cody Butler (Santino Barnard): Laura’s deceased son, who appears as a seven-year-old boy within her delusional world.
• Mr. Langtree (Don Baldaramos): The landlord of the remote house, subtly hinting at the reality of Laura’s situation.
• Mrs. Langtree (Colleen Camp): The wife of Mr. Langtree, and a character who embodies the idealized 1950s housewife image within Laura’s delusion.
• Sea Monster (Aimey Beer): A mysterious figure from the lake who represents death and acceptance for Laura.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Cody: “Mommy… Please… Let Me Go… Please… Please” – Cody reveals his ghostly nature in the final scene, finally asking his mother to let him pass on.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: $243,525

💥 Monstrous Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so ‘Monstrous’ wasn’t *exactly* what I expected. I was lured in by the creature feature aspect, but it quickly became apparent that it was more about grief and mental health. Christina Ricci is great, especially in the scenes where she’s trying so hard to keep it together. Honestly, the ending hit me harder than I thought it would. It’s not a perfect movie, but it definitely made me think.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of psychological thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about grief and trauma”
  • “Those who appreciate films with plot twists”
  • “Christina Ricci fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Themes of child loss”
  • “Grief and trauma”
  • “Some disturbing imagery”
  • “Mentions of domestic abuse”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While ‘Monstrous’ benefits from Christina Ricci’s committed performance and a visually striking 1950s setting, the predictable plot twist undermines its suspense. The film offers intriguing thematic elements but ultimately fails to deliver a truly satisfying horror experience. A mildly engaging watch for fans of psychological thrillers.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “‘Monstrous’ has potential, but it struggles with pacing and a narrative that telegraphs its punches. Christina Ricci shines, but the film’s reliance on familiar tropes and a convoluted monster mythology leaves much to be desired. It ends up feeling like a missed opportunity.

Audience Reactions

Christina Ricci’s performance was captivating and emotionally resonant.: Viewers praised Ricci’s acting and the film’s exploration of grief.

The 1950s setting and aesthetic were beautifully realized.: Many appreciated the visual style and nostalgic feel of the movie.

Overall Consensus: While some found the plot predictable, Christina Ricci’s performance and the film’s exploration of grief resonated with many viewers, making it a thought-provoking, if flawed, psychological thriller.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The movie uses the same house that was used in ‘Annabelle: Creation’ (2017).”
• “The film’s soundtrack heavily features 1950s music to enhance the setting and atmosphere, reflecting the main character’s idealized version of that era.”

🖥️ How to Watch Monstrous?

As of October 2024, ‘Monstrous’ is available for purchase or rental on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred streaming service for availability in your region. Subscription status may vary.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• The Sixth Sense (1999): Features a similar plot twist involving a character’s inability to accept a death and interacting with a deceased individual.
• Goodnight Mommy (2014): Deals with themes of grief, loss, and psychological breakdown, blurring the lines between reality and delusion.
• We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011): Explores the psychological impact of loss and a mother’s struggle to understand her child, set against a backdrop of strained family dynamics.

🛒 Monstrous Related Products

• Christina Ricci Signed Photo: A rare autographed photo of Christina Ricci, perfect for fans and collectors. It captures her iconic presence and lasting impact on cinema.
• Vintage 1950s Style Dress: Channel Laura’s stylish 1950s look with this retro-inspired dress. Perfect for cosplay or adding a touch of vintage charm to your wardrobe.
• Hotpoint Retro Refrigerator Magnet: A vintage-style magnet featuring the iconic Hotpoint logo, a nod to the film’s mid-century setting. Perfect for adding a touch of retro charm to any kitchen.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “See You Later Alligator” – performed by Bill Haley and the Comets

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Mark Kermode reviews Monster – Kermode and Mayo’s Take

Want a respected critic’s take on Monster? Mark Kermode dives deep, and honestly, his insights are always spot-on. I was really curious to see what he thought, and it didn’t disappoint!

Monster – Movie Review & Spoiler Analysis

If you’ve seen ‘Monster’ and need to unpack that ending (because WOW!), this spoiler-filled analysis is a must-watch. They really break down the nuances, and I found myself seeing the film in a whole new light.

Monster House is an underappreciated gem

Think ‘Monster House’ is just another kids’ movie? Think again! This video makes a strong case for why it’s actually a super underrated gem, and honestly, I’m convinced. Definitely worth a watch if you like animated movies!

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