Melissa Barrera stars in the movie Your Monster, a Halloween rom-com that blends horror elements with romance and comedy. Barrera plays Laura Franco, an aspiring actress dealing with cancer treatment and a breakup when she discovers a furry beast living in her closet. The film explores the blossoming romance between Laura and the Monster, who is portrayed as a charming and sexy creature reminiscent of the Beast from Beauty and the Beast.
Barrera was initially nervous about transitioning from her Scream Queen roles to comedy, but she felt excited to showcase a different side of her talent. The actress enjoys the challenge of comedy, as it requires precise timing and delivery to effectively translate humor. Your Monster provided Barrera with the opportunity to reconnect with her comedic side, adding a unique touch to the romantic horror genre she is familiar with.
The chemistry between Barrera and her co-star Tommy Dewey was essential for bringing their on-screen romance to life. Barrera emphasized the importance of letting the dynamic flow naturally, rather than overthinking it. Their relaxed approach to the scenes, along with Dewey’s improv skills, created a comfortable and enjoyable filming experience. Barrera found that working with Dewey felt like collaborating with a close friend, making the process smooth and effortless.
Despite the unconventional premise of the film, Your Monster also showcases Barrera’s musical talents. Laura’s character starts the film singing while out of breath and out of practice due to her treatments, but eventually delivers a powerful vocal performance. Barrera noted that the role required her to do more screaming than she was accustomed to, considering her background as a Scream Queen. The vocal challenges added another layer of complexity to her performance.
In addition to the romantic storyline, Your Monster also incorporates elements of darkness and humor, creating a unique blend of genres. Barrera was drawn to the film’s mix of romance, horror, and music, which presented an exciting challenge for her as an actress. The limited production schedule of 20 days required quick, raw, and less rehearsed performances, adding to the raw authenticity of the movie.
Overall, Barrera embraced the opportunity to explore a different aspect of her acting abilities while maintaining a connection to her horror roots. Your Monster provided her with a refreshing change of pace and the chance to work with a talented cast and crew. The film’s blend of romance, comedy, and horror, along with the musical elements, offered Barrera a fulfilling and challenging experience. Ultimately, Your Monster showcases Barrera’s versatility as an actress and her ability to seamlessly transition between genres.
