« Back to all posts in FilmOlogy

Meet Monica Velour

Film Rundown:

Genre:

Drama

Parental Rating:

NC-17

Director:

Keith Bearden

Starring:

Kim Cattrall, Dustin Ingram

Runtime:

Our rating:

C+

by Sharon Tharp

Editor-in-Chief
On Apr 08, 2011

On the surface, Meet Monica Velour is a tale of a washed-up '80s porn star idealized and loved by a horny, naïve teen. But once you dive into the story, you find it's really about a broken woman who has been written off by industry standards and is vying to get her daughter back. She doesn't have an education or skills, but she does, at least for a time, find some comfort in the affections of her young admirer.

Kim Cattrall delivers an exquisite performance as the former adult entertainment actress who went from fame and wealth to living in a raggedy trailer and struggling to get a cheap-paying job. In comes Dustin Ingram as Tobe. Dustin plays a socially-awkward yet super smart 17-year-old misfit vying for her affections. He drives cross-country to meet this woman he has glorified in his head. When he realizes she's gained a bit of weight, popped out a child and lives in the slums, he's unaffected. That image of Monica Velour does not falter. The delusions of grandeur help (and sometimes hinder) Monica's views of herself.

The idea that a movie like this was made is what fascinates me. Kim completely leaves the role that made her famous and there are no traces of Samantha Jones in sight. Not only does she transform into a believable hot mess, but she manages to evoke a sense of sympathy and relation to the viewer who would otherwise see her as this addict mother deserving of this life.

Despite being relatively new to the game, Dustin doesn't drown in Kim's shadow either. He is a star in his own right as he awkwardly makes us feel trapped inside his adoration for this woman. Immediately you think -- another Napoleon Dynamite-type character that lacks social skills and real depth. But it this coming-of-age story, the character goes through a personal journey with Monica that's hard to ignore and disconnect from. His innocence and naivety shine through. Indie audiences will love him while commercial audiences will stare in pure wonderment.

Sum…ology: A surprising gem that really delves deep into a common story otherwise never told on screen.