Rent Monica (2022)

Moving Drama That Surprises - Monica review by GI

This is quite an impeccably crafted drama superbly acted and directed with a gentle artistic flair by Andrea Pallaoro whose use of camera is very interesting here in creating almost still portraits of despair and sadness. Trace Lysette plays the title role as Monica, estranged from her family she now earns a living as a masseur and nighttime sex worker. The narrative unfolds to reveal that Monica was shunned by her parents as she is transgender but returns to the family home as her mother (played impeccably and movingly by Patricia Clarkson) now has a dementia induced illness. The situation at home is complex and painful and the film gently unravels the emotions at play as Monica helps her mother who no longer recognises her and reconnects with her brother and his family. An intelligent and moving film that doesn't try to resolve the main issue by confrontations instead becoming a moving story of love and devotion, almost a return to innocence about simple human connection.