How do we overcome trauma? A mother and her son find the answer is far from easy in “Monstrous.” Recovering from an abusive situation, the pair quickly discover that monsters can come from surprising places. The horror film hails from director Chris Sivertson and writer Carol Chrest. Sivertson is no stranger to the horror genre; he co-wrote and co-directed “All Cheerleaders Die” with Lucky McKee. That eye for twisting domestic narratives meant the filmmaker saw potential in Chrest’s use of a retro ‘50s setting. “It was a decade when all the trappings of the American Dream coalesced into one specific fantasy,” he said. “A fantasy that was unattainable for many. And even for the people who could theoretically achieve it, dreams often become nightmares.”
The film stars Christina Ricci as Laura. It’s a difficult role that demands Ricci balance the fears, frustrations, and unyielding love for a child. The actress has proven time and time again to be more than capable of these layered performances. She recently won raves for her performance in the hit series “Yellowjackets” and is set to appear in the highly anticipated “Wednesday.” The latter marks a return to the “Addams Family” franchise, this time in a yet to be revealed role.
The film’s official synopsis:
A terrifying new horror awaits Laura (Christina Ricci) and her seven-year-old son Cody when they flee her abusive ex-husband and try to settle into a new life in an idyllic and remote lakeside farmhouse. Still traumatized, their physical and mental well-being are pushed to the limit as their fragile existence is threatened.
Colleen Camp, Santino Bernard, Don Balderamos, and Nick Vallelonga also star in “Monstrous.” The film debuts in theaters and on demand May 13, 2022. Get your first look at the trailer below.