Laya DeLeon Hayes as Vicaria in 'The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster'

‘The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster’ Brings Something Fresh to the Frankenstein Story

The excitement that comes from seeing more Black-centered horror movies is almost indescribable. It’s obviously extra fun to be a horror fan this year. We’re seeing the revival of beloved horror franchises, original horror films, and lots of great horror TV series. One upcoming film that folks should be talking about more is The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster.

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This new take on the classic Frankenstein tale marks the feature directorial debut of Bomani J. Story, and generated some buzz at the 2023 SXSW film festival. Here’s everything you need to know about The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster.

What is The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster about?

The official plot synopsis:

Vicaria is a brilliant teenager who believes death is a disease that can be cured. After the brutal murder of her brother, she embarks on a dangerous journey to bring him back to life.

The film is adapted from Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley. Her book came out in 1818 and heavily influenced the horror genre. The book has been adapted countless times in the 200-plus years since its initial publication. And this time it’s being explored in a modern setting from a Black perspective.

Is there a trailer for The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster?

There is, indeed! Based on this recently released trailer, The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster looks like a thoughtful and terrifying take on Shelley’s classic. It calls to mind Lucky McKee’s May, which also centered a woman and updated the story’s setting to modern day.

When does it come out?

The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster will be released theatrically on June 9 and VOD as well as digital rental on June 23, 2023. And it will be available to stream on Shudder and ALLBLK at some point.

Who stars in The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster?

The cast includes several recognizable faces, including Chad L. Coleman (The Walking Dead, The Wire) and Laya DeLeon Hayes, a young actor whose credits include roles in The Equalizer TV series and Raven’s Home. Here’s the full cast list for The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster:

  • Laya DeLeon Hayes as Vicaria
  • Chad L. Coleman as Donald
  • Edem Atsu-Swanzy as Chris
  • Denzel Whitaker
  • Jeremy DeCarlos
  • Shiloh Xavier
  • Reilly Brooke Stith
  • Beth Felice
  • Dilon Ballard
  • Keith Holliday

(featured image: RLJE Films)


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Vanessa Maki
Vanessa Maki (she/her) is a queer Blerd and contributing writer for The Mary Sue. She first started writing for digital magazines in 2018 and her articles have appeared in Pink Advocate (defunct), The Gay Gaze (defunct), Dread Central and more. She primarily writes about movies, TV, and anime. Efforts to make her stop loving complex/villainous characters or horror as a genre will be futile.