Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon is a 2021 fantasy thriller that immerses audiences in a vibrant, surreal world painted by writer-director Ana Lily Amirpour. Known for her distinctive cinematic style, Amirpour crafts a hypnotic story of freedom, identity, and the weight of human relationships. At the center of this kaleidoscopic narrative is Mona Lisa Lee, a telepathic young woman with supernatural powers, portrayed by the enigmatic Jeon Jong-seo. With her magnetic performance, Jeon brings depth and complexity to a character who transforms the lives of those around her while exploring her own moral compass.
Plot Overview
The film begins in a mental institution near New Orleans, where Mona Lisa Lee (Jeon Jong-seo) has been confined since she was 12 years old. Trapped in a dehumanizing environment and subjected to abusive treatment, Mona silently endures until one night, she discovers her psychic abilities. Using her telepathic power to take control of others, she stages an audacious escape, injuring those who try to obstruct her freedom.
Once out in the neon-drenched streets of New Orleans, Mona encounters a cast of colorful characters. Among them is Bonnie Belle (Kate Hudson), a struggling stripper and opportunistic single mother who spots the potential to exploit Mona’s supernatural gift for personal gain. Mona bonds with Bonnie’s son, Charlie (Evan Whitten), a kind and prematurely wise child who views Mona through a lens of admiration and empathy.
Their fragile alliances are tested as Mona begins to question Bonnie’s intentions and finds herself hunted by Officer Harold (Craig Robinson), a dogged policeman who becomes obsessed with capturing her. As the story unfolds, Mona confronts her longing for emotional connection while navigating the boundaries of trust, agency, and autonomy.
The Significance of Mona Lisa Lee
Mona Lisa Lee is a character cloaked in dualities. She is both powerful and vulnerable, hero and anti-hero. Rendered emotionally muted by years of isolation, Mona’s encounters with others become a means to rediscover her humanity. Yet, her telepathic abilities serve as a double-edged sword, offering liberation while raising moral dilemmas about consent and manipulation.
Mona’s interactions with Bonnie underscore the contrasts between them. For Bonnie, Mona is little more than a tool to extract wealth from unsuspecting victims, whether through extorting night-club patrons or ATM heists. However, Mona’s bond with Charlie introduces a tender dynamic to the narrative. Her instinct to protect him from his mother’s opportunism highlights her longing for meaningful relationships, even as her alienation deepens.
Symbolically, Mona represents the allure of autonomy in a world that tries to suppress individuality. Her choices challenge not only her oppressors but also her allies, compelling everyone she encounters to reflect on their true nature.
Jeon Jong-seo’s Spellbinding Performance
Jeon Jong-seo’s performance as Mona Lisa Lee elevates the film’s dreamlike narrative to a grounded, emotional experience. Known for her breakout role in Burning (2018), Jeon brings a raw yet understated intensity to Mona. Her ability to channel vulnerability without overt exposition allows audiences to feel Mona’s internal struggles, even when her silent demeanor shields her emotions.
Director Ana Lily Amirpour praised Jeon for her intuitive approach to the character, describing her as an actor who “embodies a mysticism that feels fresh and utterly beguiling.” Despite minimal dialogue, Jeon uses subtle expressions and body language to convey Mona’s transformation—from a silent captive to someone taking charge of her destiny.
Critics highlighted Jeon’s gripping portrayal as one of the film’s standout elements. Variety noted that her quiet but commanding presence lent a hypnotic quality to every scene, while The Hollywood Reporter lauded her ability to balance the character’s ethereal qualities with undeniable strength.
One of the most memorable aspects of Jeon’s performance is her subtle defiance of conventional hero narratives. Mona is a character who operates outside clear moral binaries, and Jeon’s layered portrayal ensures she remains both relatable and enigmatic.
Themes in Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon
The film explores several compelling themes, including autonomy, exploitation, and the desire for human connection. Mona’s psychic power serves as a metaphor for the ways individuals influence and manipulate one another, intentionally or otherwise. It questions the ethical boundaries of control while addressing broader societal issues such as systemic oppression and survival in a predatory world.
Another key theme is the need for belonging versus the drive for freedom. While Mona cherishes her growing bond with Charlie, her eventual decision to leave New Orleans underscores her yearning for complete independence. The juxtaposition of Mona’s burgeoning agency with Bonnie’s relentless opportunism creates an effective commentary on the human cost of ambition and exploitation.
The film’s visual aesthetic enhances its thematic core. Through striking, neon-hued cinematography and an eclectic soundtrack, Amirpour creates an otherworldly atmosphere that feels both surreal and intimately gritty. This aesthetic serves to heighten the contrast between Mona’s supernatural abilities and the flawed humanity of those surrounding her.
Critical Reception
Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon premiered at the 78th Venice International Film Festival in 2021, where it received praise for its visual flair, quirky tone, and inventive storytelling. Critics applauded Ana Lily Amirpour’s signature style, describing the film as a genre-bending mix of fantasy, thriller, and social commentary.
The film holds a 74% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers praising its offbeat narrative and compelling characters. However, some critics felt the plot was “narratively undercooked,” leaving certain developments unresolved. Despite this, Jeon Jong-seo’s performance was widely lauded and positioned as one of the film’s most compelling aspects.
Jeon Jong-seo’s Rising Stardom
Jeon Jong-seo’s portrayal of Mona highlights her ability to excel in emotionally intense, unconventional roles. Born in South Korea, Jeon made her acting debut in Lee Chang-dong’s Burning, a performance that catapulted her to international recognition. With Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon, Jeon marks her entry into Hollywood with an ambitious, character-driven project that showcases her versatility.
Her decision to join the film after only a few years in the industry demonstrates her commitment to challenging and diverse roles. Beyond Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon, Jeon has continued to take on intriguing projects, proving herself a fearless talent willing to explore unconventional storytelling.
Legacy and Impact
Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon is more than a supernatural thriller; it’s an exploration of human flaws, resilience, and the quest for self-liberation. Mona Lisa Lee emerges as an unforgettable character, and Jeon Jong-seo’s performance ensures she remains iconic in the realm of genre cinema.
For audiences seeking a fresh take on the fantasy thriller genre, Amirpour’s film offers a visually captivating and thematically rich experience, made all the more vibrant by Jeon’s indelible portrayal of the titular Mona Lisa. With its eclectic mix of emotion, style, and supernatural intrigue, Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon 2021 cements itself as a standout cinematic achievement in modern independent film.
