Monster performances, but a very depressing film

Rating: 8/10 (2 October 2004)

'Monster' is based on a true story. It brings to screen the character of a serial killer, a prostitute who never had a chance in her life. She tries to find reconciliation in a lesbian love story with a childish runaway, but life, society, men do not give her any chance. In her desperate search for a way out of the nightmare she starts killing her clients. There is a lot of moral debate about her right to take the life of other men, or about the right of the state to take her lifer, but frankly speaking I do not buy too much into such debates, and I found the overall story sordid and depressing. What is really great in this film is the superb acting of the two main characters . Both Charlene Trezon (what a make-up!) and Christina Ricci throw great performances, and they are the main and only reason this film can not only be watched, but also raises interest despite the depressing story and uni-tome message. 8 out of 10 on my personal scale.