Written by Wallie Augustin
Modified & Updated: 05 Mar 2024
Reviewed by Sherman Smith
If you’re a fan of thought-provoking and emotionally charged movies, then “A Monster Calls” is a film that deserves a spot on your must-watch list. Directed by J.A. Bayona and based on the novel by Patrick Ness, this powerful and visually stunning movie takes audiences on an unforgettable journey of heartache, love, and self-discovery. Set in modern-day England, “A Monster Calls” tells the story of Conor, a young boy who is struggling to cope with the terminal illness of his mother. In his darkest moments, Conor is visited by a mysterious ancient tree monster who guides him through a series of fantastical tales that help him confront his fears and find the courage to face the truth. With its compelling narrative, breathtaking visuals, and outstanding performances, “A Monster Calls” is a film that will leave you both emotionally shaken and inspired.
Key Takeaways:
- A Monster Calls is a captivating movie based on a young adult novel, exploring themes of grief, imagination, and the power of storytelling. It’s a visually stunning and emotionally impactful film that resonates with audiences of all ages.
- With a talented cast and breathtaking visual effects, A Monster Calls takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster, addressing important themes like loss, healing, and the complexities of childhood. It’s a timeless tale that leaves a lasting impression on its audience.
Young Adult Novel Adaptation
A Monster Calls is a movie that is based on the acclaimed young adult novel of the same name written by Patrick Ness.
Directed by J.A. Bayona
The movie was directed by J.A. Bayona, known for his work on other films like The Orphanage and The Impossible.
Released in 2016
A Monster Calls was released in 2016 and received widespread critical acclaim for its storytelling and visual effects.
Emotional Coming-of-Age Story
The movie tells the emotional coming-of-age story of Conor, a young boy who is dealing with his mother’s illness.
Starring Lewis MacDougall
Lewis MacDougall delivers a powerful performance as Conor, capturing the vulnerability and strength of the character.
Liam Neeson as The Monster
Liam Neeson provides the voice and motion capture performance for the Monster, a towering tree-like creature that visits Conor.
Deep Themes of Grief and Loss
The movie explores deep themes of grief and loss, portraying them in a poignant and sensitive manner.
Beautifully Cinematographed
A Monster Calls features stunning cinematography that adds to the overall visual impact of the film.
Award-Winning Screenplay
The screenplay for the movie, written by Patrick Ness himself, won multiple awards for its exceptional storytelling.
Intense and Stirring Soundtrack
The film’s soundtrack, composed by Fernando Velázquez, adds to the emotional intensity of the story.
Surprising Plot Twists
A Monster Calls incorporates unexpected plot twists that keep the audience engaged and captivated.
Strong Performance by Felicity Jones
Felicity Jones delivers a remarkable performance as Conor’s mother, portraying her character’s illness with authenticity and depth.
Magical Realism Elements
The movie incorporates elements of magical realism, blurring the lines between reality and fantasy.
Gripping Storytelling
A Monster Calls hooks the audience from the beginning and keeps them invested in Conor’s journey until the very end.
Touching Father-Son Relationship
The movie highlights the evolving relationship between Conor and his distant father, beautifully portrayed by Toby Kebbell.
Stunning Visual Effects
The visual effects in A Monster Calls are breathtaking, bringing the fantastical elements of the story to life.
Poignant Exploration of Childhood
The film delves into the complexities of childhood emotions and the struggle to navigate difficult situations.
Inspiring and Uplifting Message
A Monster Calls delivers an inspiring and uplifting message about the power of storytelling and facing one’s fears.
Adaptation Stayed True to the Book
The movie stays true to the essence of the original book, capturing its emotional depth and core themes.
Heartfelt Performances by Supporting Cast
The supporting cast, including Sigourney Weaver as Conor’s strict grandmother, delivers heartfelt performances that complement the main story.
Critical Acclaim
A Monster Calls was applauded by critics for its exceptional storytelling, performances, and visual effects.
Box Office Success
The movie was a box office success, earning over $47 million worldwide, surpassing its production budget.
International Cast
The cast of A Monster Calls includes actors from different countries, adding to the diverse perspectives portrayed in the film.
Imaginative Animation Sequences
The movie incorporates imaginative animation sequences that provide insights into Conor’s emotions and fantasies.
Tackles Important Themes
A Monster Calls tackles important themes like acceptance, forgiveness, and the complexities of loss.
Awards and Nominations
The film received numerous awards and nominations, including the Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Young Performer for Lewis MacDougall.
Powerful Performance by Sigourney Weaver
Sigourney Weaver delivers a powerful performance as Conor’s strict but caring grandmother, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Collaborative Effort
A Monster Calls was a collaborative effort, with talented individuals from various fields coming together to bring the story to life.
Emotional Rollercoaster
The movie takes the audience on an emotional rollercoaster, eliciting a range of feelings from sadness to hope.
Touches on Bullying
A Monster Calls addresses the issue of bullying, shedding light on the impact it can have on a young person’s life.
Life Lessons
The film imparts valuable life lessons through its storytelling, making it resonate with audiences of all ages.
Patience and Empathy
A Monster Calls teaches the importance of patience and empathy when dealing with grief and difficult emotions.
Symbolism and Metaphors
The movie incorporates symbolism and metaphors that deepen the layers of its narrative and thematic exploration.
Thought-Provoking Quotes
A Monster Calls includes thought-provoking quotes that resonate and stay with the audience long after the movie ends.
Glimpse into the Power of Imagination
The film provides a glimpse into the power of imagination as a coping mechanism during challenging times.
Beautifully Crafted Production Design
The production design in A Monster Calls is intricately detailed, creating a visually stunning and immersive world.
Exploration of Loss and Healing
The movie explores the themes of loss and healing in a profound and sensitive manner, resonating with viewers who have experienced similar journeys.
Complex Character Relationships
A Monster Calls delves into complex character relationships, showcasing the dynamics between Conor, his mother, his grandmother, and his friends.
Emotional Catharsis
The movie provides a cathartic experience for viewers, allowing them to release and process their own emotions.
Powerful Visual Metaphors
A Monster Calls uses powerful visual metaphors to convey Conor’s emotional turmoil, adding depth to the storytelling.
Multi-Dimensional Characters
The characters in the movie are multi-dimensional, with their own flaws, strengths, and internal struggles.
Raises Questions about Morality
A Monster Calls raises intriguing questions about morality and the choices we make in difficult situations.
Universally Relatable Story
The movie tells a universally relatable story about loss, self-discovery, and the search for inner strength.
A Timeless Tale
A Monster Calls is a timeless tale that resonates with audiences long after the credits roll, reminding them of the power of storytelling and the importance of facing their fears.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “A Monster Calls” is a captivating and emotionally charged movie that delves into themes of grief, loss, and the power of imagination. The film’s unique blend of fantasy and reality, coupled with powerful performances from the cast, makes it a must-watch for any movie enthusiast. With its stunning visuals, touching storyline, and thought-provoking messages, “A Monster Calls” manages to tug at the heartstrings and leave a lasting impact on its viewers. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy movies, or simply appreciate a beautifully crafted story that explores the complexities of the human experience, “A Monster Calls” is definitely worth adding to your watchlist.
FAQs
1. What is the movie “A Monster Calls” about?
“A Monster Calls” tells the story of a young boy named Conor, who is struggling to cope with his mother’s terminal illness. One night, Conor encounters a mysterious monster who helps him navigate his emotions and face the truth about his mother’s condition.
2. Who stars in the movie “A Monster Calls”?
The movie features a talented cast including Lewis MacDougall as Conor, Felicity Jones as Conor’s mother, Sigourney Weaver as Conor’s grandmother, and Liam Neeson as the voice of the monster.
3. Is “A Monster Calls” based on a book?
Yes, the movie is based on the critically acclaimed novel of the same name by Patrick Ness. The book gained widespread recognition and won several awards for its powerful storytelling and heartfelt exploration of grief.
4. Is “A Monster Calls” suitable for children?
While the movie contains fantastical elements and a young protagonist, it deals with mature themes such as loss and grief. Parents should use their discretion in deciding whether the film is suitable for their children, as it may be emotionally intense for younger viewers.
5. What makes “A Monster Calls” a unique movie?
“A Monster Calls” stands out for its visually stunning animation sequences, which bring the monster’s stories to life. The film also explores the power of imagination and storytelling as tools for processing emotions, making it a truly unique cinematic experience.
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