Your Monster Filmmaker Caroline Lindy Talks the Long Road to the Big Screen

As a cinephile who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of film, I must say that Caroline Lindy‘s “Your Monster” is a breath of fresh air. The journey this project has taken from its inception as a feature to a short, and then back again, is a testament to the resilience and determination required in the industry.

The movie “Your Monster,” directed by Caroline Lindy, has undergone several transformations since she initially thought of it. Initially, it was envisioned as a full-length feature film, but later, Lindy decided to make it a short film instead. There were also plans for it to be turned into a series on the short-lived platform Quibi, but ultimately, it became a genre-blending love story that graced movie theaters. Lindy recently discussed the journey of this original idea and how it evolved in different directions before becoming the film audiences are currently enjoying. “Your Monster” is now playing in cinemas.

Initially, the project was planned as a full-length movie, but I discovered a grant opportunity via Women in Film, which necessitated transforming it into a 15-minute project. However, this transformation turned out to be beneficial as it forced me to focus on the essential aspects of the story. Later, when I had to extend it back to a feature film, having the short film and producers attached served as a proof of concept, making it easier to gain support from my production company and partners for financing the full-length movie. This is how Lindy described the evolution of her project in an interview with ComicBook.

She went on to say, “This path is a lengthy one, filled with steps. It’s a prolonged trip we’re embarking on. At one point, this project was destined for Quibi, so persistence is crucial. It can take decades to bring an idea like this to life, especially one as unconventional as the film I envisioned. The toughest part was holding onto optimism that it would eventually become a reality, despite the lengthy wait.

The narrative of Your Monster revolves around the character Laura Franco, portrayed by Melissa Barrera, who is a quiet actress. After being broken up with by her long-term partner (Edmund Donovan) during her recovery from surgery and moving back to her childhood home for healing, she encounters an unexpected setback when she learns that her ex is producing a musical they had developed together. As Laura grapples with the disappointments in her life, she encounters a mysterious character, or a “monster” (Tommy Dewey), who helps her find purpose, embrace her emotions, and ultimately love the fierce anger within herself.

[RELATED – Your Monster Stars Open Up About the Unconventional Love Story]

Throughout the movie, various tones are skillfully incorporated, but when it comes to the ending, it’s clear they didn’t shy away from the tough choices – a conclusion that Lindy had always anticipated.

The filmmaker explained that while the movie isn’t strictly horror, it has elements of suspense and fear that are more subtle, eerie, or whimsical in nature. He wanted to pay tribute to classic monster films by incorporating them into his work. Additionally, he described the film as a powerful exploration of female anger and self-expression. As the protagonist is a musical theater actress, he felt it necessary to include a grand, flamboyant, and truthful finale that would be entertaining yet authentic to his feelings when sharing his monster creation with the world.

She mentioned, “I’m a fan of grand finales. Typically, in a Broadway play, there’s a large, spectacular finale. For that reason, I believed it was fitting for the character. Similarly, I felt it was suitable for the movie. However, I ultimately chose the most entertaining conclusion because I prefer fun endings over anything else.

Your Monster is now playing in theaters.

2024-10-29 00:41

[RELATED – Your Monster Stars Open Up About the Unconventional Love Story]

Read More