Movie spotlight
After years of estrangement, a trans woman returns home to help care for her dying mother.
Monica, a trans woman living in Los Angeles, is called back to her childhood home in the Midwest to care for her ailing mother. Estranged from her family for years, Monica must confront painful memories and complicated relationships as she navigates the emotional landscape of her past. The film explores themes of identity, family reconciliation, and the search for acceptance.
Monica received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its sensitive and nuanced portrayal of a complex family dynamic and Trace Lysette's central performance. The film was commended for its deliberate pacing and emotional depth, though some found its somber tone challenging.
Praised for Trace Lysette's deeply moving and authentic performance.
Appreciated for its quiet, introspective exploration of family trauma and identity.
Noted for its sensitive direction and visually evocative cinematography.
Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the powerful and emotional performances, particularly from the lead. Many found the film to be a poignant and resonant story about family and self-discovery, though some noted its slow pace.
Screened in competition at the 79th Venice International Film Festival. Nominated for the Queer Lion award.
Trace Lysette's performance as Monica was developed over several years, with the actress deeply involved in the character's journey and backstory.
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Trace Lysette is quite effective here as the eponymous woman who returns to her family to help care for her terminally ill mother "Eugenia" (Patricia Clarkson). She's a trans woman, is "Monica", and it's been more than twenty years since sh...
Acceptance, reconciliation and forgiveness are arguably among the hardest feelings for many of us to deal with, but coming to terms with them is by no means impossible. When Monica (Trace Lysette), a transgender woman kicked out by her fami...