The Fantastic Santa Monaco

Aqua is a young performance artist, a self-styled bohemian among a community of fellow young women artists. The story follows her efforts to pursue her passion, despite pushback from her community and complications when she falls in love with her best friend, Becca, despite already having a boyfriend. Aqua is forced to confront difficult questions about who she is and what she wants in life before finally making her choice and living with the consequences. Aqua’s dream is to perform at upscale galleries and museums, but for now, she is performing on beach sidewalks, at farmer’s markets, and even at an art store.

Directed by Alexsiya Flora, Sam Rappold, The Fantastic Santa Monaco leans on a strong ensemble — Keana Marie, Lew Temple, Natanya Ross — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about screen titles of 0.