Monica (2023)

Director Pallaoro has shot a lush and intimate portrait of a woman coming to terms with her family of origin despite the was she has been excluded from them. It is subtle yet powerful, the script doesn't tell us what is happening, instead we interpret the motivations and emotions of the characters from the little things we see on their faces and in their eyes. This is all centred by a truly masterful performance by lead actress Lycette who is extremely vulnerable yet fully realized in her role as the title character. 

I love this sort of film making that focuses on capturing moments in time and letting its story unfold as the audience pieces it together instead of the more pedantic approach where the film shows us exactly what is happening one moment to the next and characters articulate their motivations and feelings in their dialogue. Here we feel everything and perhaps are given more insight into both the experience of being trans without the support of a loving family and the experience of aging while facing a terminal illness. The film refrains from telling us anything and instead we watch as the characters exist and interact and react. The film feels incredibly honest. 

Pallaoro often focuses on small pieces of business (hands massaging, a mirror held up, the faces of a crowd while the national anthem is being played) instead of on the main action. He hear what's going on as the story advances but instead, like we do in much of our lives, stay focused on these pregnant moments of meaning which offer up so much of the story. 

Clarkson is also a standout in her role which defies the stereotypes her character would normally be subject to. I expected far more "conflict" in a story such as this, and so much of what is going on is bubbling under the surface and therefore so much more raw. The movie isn't a series of "award scenes" featuring actors chewing scenery, instead this cast lets you into their characters' inner selves so wonderfully and effectively. Monica doesn't build to some dramatic climax and instead ends in a moment of sheer quiet revelation, that perhaps there will be some peace and release. 

So many queer and trans stories focus on trauma, and there is reason for that. Monica touches on this but it is not the focus. Instead the focus here is healing and survival. It acknowledges there is pain in life but it also looks towards connection and joy. 

Monica

Starring: Trace Lycette, Patricia Clarkson, Emily Browning, Adriana Barraza, Joshua Close

Director: Andrea Pallaoro

Writers: Orlando Tirado, Andrea Pallaoro