“A Monster Calls,” directed by J.A. Bayona, is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged film that explores the power of storytelling and the complexities of grief. Based on the novel by Patrick Ness, the movie follows the journey of a young boy named Conor, who is struggling to cope with his mother’s terminal illness.
The film begins with Conor’s vivid and terrifying nightmares, which reflect his inner turmoil. He is haunted by a monstrous tree that comes to life and tells him stories. This tree, voiced by Liam Neeson, serves as a metaphor for Conor’s emotions and acts as his guide through the difficult process of accepting his mother’s impending death.
One of the most striking aspects of “A Monster Calls” is its stunning visual imagery. The use of dark and muted colors creates a somber and melancholic atmosphere that perfectly mirrors Conor’s emotional state. The animation sequences, which illustrate the stories told by the monster, are beautifully crafted and add a magical element to the film.
The performances in the movie are exceptional, particularly from the young actor Lewis MacDougall, who portrays Conor with remarkable maturity and depth. He effectively conveys the character’s anger, sadness, and vulnerability, allowing the audience to empathize with his pain. Felicity Jones, who plays Conor’s mother, delivers a heartfelt performance, capturing the essence of a loving parent facing her own mortality.
The film’s exploration of grief is both poignant and relatable. Conor’s struggle to come to terms with his mother’s illness is depicted with raw honesty. Through his interactions with the monster and the stories it tells, Conor learns valuable lessons about loss, forgiveness, and the complexity of human emotions.
Ultimately, “A Monster Calls” is a powerful and moving film that tackles the universal themes of grief and acceptance. It reminds us of the importance of storytelling as a means of understanding and processing our emotions. The movie’s ability to provoke deep introspection and evoke strong emotions makes it a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.
Last but not least:
Trust me this movie will take you by surprise if you thought it was a kid’s film. The story unfolds slowly so just allow yourself to be drawn into the plot allowing the writer and director to bring you to the conclusion. Having watched so many films and written a number of reviews myself, I have I have a hard time not getting ahead of the story. While the ending may not entirely surprise you like “The Sixth Sense”, it’s similar in the way it drops hints along the way.
While not a new film, having been released in 2016, it is available on Netflix. You can also stream A Monster Calls by renting or purchasing on Google Play, Amazon, and Vudu.
I highly recommend this film.
