Details

Monster, released by High Fliers in August 2004, stars Oscar winner Charlize Theron (The Italian Job; Trapped) as Aileen Wuornos, the homicidal man-hater whose notorious killing spree eventually led to her execution in 2002, having been convicted of murdering six men. Director Patty Jenkins' remarkable debut feature film digs deep beneath the tabloid headlines to unearth a moving love story amidst the horrors of Aileen's tragic life.

The victim of an abusive childhood and a prostitute since the age of 13, Aileen Wuornos is a drifter with no friends and no family. That is until she meets and falls in love with Selby Wall (Christina Ricci), a young girl rejected by her parents and sent to live with an aunt in Florida in order to "cure her homosexuality". Two misfits thrown together by chance, Aileen and Selby embark on a passionate affair. Unable to find legitimate employment, Aileen continues to turn tricks in order to make money. But when one of her clients becomes violent, she is forced to shoot the man in self-defence. The act of killing triggers an escalating deadly rage within Aileen that unleashes the monster within her.

Charlize Theron's astonishing, revelatory performance as Aileen Wuornos astounded audiences and critics alike, deservedly earning the actress a whole host of awards in 2004, including an Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role and a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Drama. Equally impressive in strong supporting roles are co-stars Christina Ricci (Addams Family Values; Sleepy Hollow), Bruce Dern (Masked And Anonymous) and Pruitt Taylor Vince (Identity).

Shot in many of the actual locations where Wuornos committed her crimes, the film's authenticity is impeccable and makes for powerful viewing. Searing social commentary, road movie, thriller, love story - Monster succeeds on every level and is without doubt one of the year's most unmissable releases.