Escaping a supposed abusive husband, Monstrous sees Laura (Christina Ricci) and her son Cody (Santino Barnard) move to a small town in California. Renting a large beautiful house situated next to a lake, Laura tries to make the best of things but Cody immediately feels the presence of something sinister. After several unexplained happenings in the house resulting in Cody wanting to leave, Laura starts to slowly break down, coming to a shocking conclusion.
From the very start of this supernatural thriller, something that doesn't quite feel right. The off-kilter 1950s setting is a huge hint to the mindset of Laura who tries her best to put on a brave face for her son. Another hint that there is more here than meets the eye is how Cody never interacts with anyone except his mother or with the monster that lurks in the lake. The connect to this strange twisted being is never fully explained and is likely the most irritating part of the film.
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The monster, later dubbed the ‘pretty lady from the lake,' is a confusing being. Coming across as an evil spirit that haunts the lake and the house, even smothering Cody at certain points, it is in fact not a monster, merely a ghost and rather disappointing on the whole. This is not a spoiler as the apparition has the same abilities as a ghost. There is a lack of true horror and little to fear. This is shame as there was potential here for something darker and more cruel. Despite all this, there is thankfully no over the top big reveal, just short moments of realisation and confusion. We manage to put the pieces of this mystery together much quicker than Laura, if with the limited clues.
Christina Ricci is the only redeeming aspect of the film, working hard to keep the very thin and ultimately basic plot together. She shines through the dull character, giving Laura more to do than act crazy and delusional.
Although a smaller scale production, there are many missed opportunities to take the story down a darker and more sinister avenue. With no real monster in the story, just a woman suffering and trying to hide from her pain, the film feels mislabelled. It is less of a thriller and more of a supernatural story about grief. Though, the film never takes the time to discuss the real reasons behind Laura's actions.
Monstrous is out now on digital platforms.
