To play such a hateful character, Mo'Nique says she drew inspiration from her own childhood molestation. "I knew very well who that monster was. I knew Mary Jones," she says. "When he would say 'action,' that's the monster that I became."

Mo'Nique says she felt empowered—not traumatized—by reliving such a painful part of her past. "I got to get all of it out," she says. "I no longer want to be considered a victim of molestation. ... I want to be considered the victor."