Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon made its North American Premiere as the Opening Night film at the Overlook Film Festival. The plot follows Mona Lisa Lee (Jeon Jong-seo) after she escapes from a mental asylum. After a random encounter with exotic dancer Bonnie (Kate Hudson), she seems to have found a new family. With the authorities after her and tension at her new home, Mona Lisa struggles to find comfort in her new life.
Writer-director Ana Lily Amipour has always been able to come up with excellent ideas. The issue has been translating them to the screen. Those same characteristics are found in her latest release. Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon is an interesting spin on the fish out of water scenario that has noticeable flaws. Hudson does an excellent job as no nonsense single mother Bonnie, but the character is inconsistent. Her motivations and attitude change with each scene as the plot needs. This ends up making for a frustrating character.
Her son Charlie (Evan Whitten) is also poorly written. In his case, he is often too hard on his mother. It is one thing for a teenager to think their parents do not love them – it is common in these type of stories – but Charlie takes it to the next level. He insults his mother’s looks and tells her she is using Mona. There is nothing to make anyone watching believe Bonnie does not love her child. The comment about Mona can be seen as true, but it is a negative outlook that refuses to look a the big picture. The end result is a character who comes off as an ingrate.
Which is not to say Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon does not have anything going for it. The soundtrack is fantastic. Music is used expertly throughout the movie and enhances the mood. Ranging from guitar based blues to fast based dance, none of the songs seem out of place. And while it never feels like the love letter to New Orleans Amipour intended, there are some good set pieces in the movie. This includes a tension filled finale that ends things on a positive note.
The Overlook Film Festival takes place in New Orleans from June 2 – June 5
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