GLAMOROUS Oscar winner Charlize Theron makes a remarkable transformation into America's first woman serial killer Aileen Wuornos in this real-life adaption.

Prostitute Wuornos was executed after confessing to murdering six men, including a policeman, though she claimed to have acted only in self-defence.

What emerges in the film is the picture of a desperate woman who embarks on an unlikely relationship with young woman Selby Wall (Christina Ricci) and, unable to find a legitimate job, continues to work on the streets to provide for her lover.

Triggering

One night she is raped and beaten by one of her clients, and, fearing for her life, she shoots him, triggering the string of murders that eventually lead to her own death.

The big question is whether you believe Wuornos is a manic monster or a misguided and messed up woman.

On the one hand, it's hard to feel sympathetic towards some of Wuornos' victims, and Theron's portrayal of her as such a tragic character is so brilliant that sometimes you can't help but feel sorry for her.

However, as her slaying sprees get out of control and the police close in on her, it's obvious that this was a situation spiralling out of control that had to be stopped.

Theron gives a first class performance, and I have no doubt in my mind that she deserved her Academy award.

The relationship between Wuornos and Wall is convincing, at times even providing some lighter moments in the movie.

Monster is an all round winner - and well worth a watch.

8/10 A giant performance by Theron makes this one monster of a movie