A Monster Calls review – a superb and gut wrenching family film

by | 1 Jan 2017 | Film Reviews

‘The story of a young boy who is dealing with his mother’s illness, an unsympathetic grandmother, and bullying classmates.’

Based on the novel by Patrick Ness (who also wrote the screenplay), A Monster Calls follows a young boy named Conner, played by Lewis MacDougall. Dealing with bullies, an estranged father, a distant grandmother, and most tragic of all, a terminally ill mother, it’s fair to say that he’s going through some stuff. One night a tree-like monster, voiced and motion captured by Liam Neeson, visits Conner to tell him stories, and through these encounters begins to help him come to terms with all that he’s going through.

It’s a gut-wrenching story and director J. A. Bayona pulls no punches in depicting all the psychological complexities of dealing with such a harrowing situation for a child. In fact, although a family film, A Monster Calls doesn’t pander purely to that target audience and isn’t afraid to tell a story that is a lot more deeper than your average children’s movie, as it looks at the more sombre issue of grieving and dealing with death in a really grounded way. It’s not all grim and miserable though and Bayona balances the drama and the more fantastical elements so well that it becomes a more bittersweet experience, which will certainly raise some interesting questions for children.

It’s also a film that shows the power of story as it’s the tales the monster tells that help Conner accept his mother’s illness. Indeed, Bayona even adds animation and incorporates the actual illustrations from the novel to these fables, presenting a visual style that gives the feeling of watching a book unfold before us. This idea runs strongly throughout the film, that stories are a powerful medium that can help teach and enlighten us, and even help us cope with all that life can throw at us.

It’s also a film that shows the power of story as it’s the tales the monster tells that help Conner accept his mother’s illness. Indeed, Bayona even adds animation and incorporates the actual illustrations from the novel to these fables, presenting a visual style that gives the feeling of watching a book unfold before us. This idea runs strongly throughout the film, that stories are a powerful medium that can help teach and enlighten us, and even help us cope with all that life can throw at us.

All this is brought together and realised by excellent performances all round. Felicity Jones, who plays Conner’s mum, brings a heart breaking portrayal of a mother trying to do right by her son and prepare him for the worse that could happen, while also having to go through this unnamed illness that is slowly deteriorating and ravishing her body. She really commits to the role and shows a real physical and visceral transformation throughout the runtime.

MacDougall is a revelation and gives an amazing performance as Conner. Emotionally, so much rests on him, that if he couldn’t have pulled it off, the whole film wouldn’t have worked. Fortunately, that’s not the case and he carries the film with such seeming ease. He also brings subtlety and nuance to his character, never overplaying the melodramatic aspects, but neither underplaying it, and balances those two sides pitch perfectly. He and Jones are the heart of this film and have an amazing paternal chemistry, that whenever they are together, will easily create a tear in your eye and lump in your throat.

Sigourney Weaver is also good as the distant grandmother who slowly thaws and come to terms with potentially losing her daughter, and also having to look after Conner. Even Toby Kebbell, with such a short role, has a big impact as Conner’s long distance dad, and in fact, Bayona makes sure no role is wasted and that every character has a reason for being there.

Visually, the film is stunning, and the monster is excellently realised with photo realistic CGI blending in with the practical sets seamlessly. Neeson is also the perfect choice to play this character with his gravelly voice being a perfect fit for this ancient and wise creature. It’s always hard to tell with these motion captured performances where the actor ends and the CGI starts, but you can really see the emotion behind the eyes of this kind but wild beast.

‘With great visuals, spot-on performances, and a mature and touching story, A Monster Calls is a great movie going experience.’

It’s also an emotionally charged and powerful film. Delving into deeper themes and tackling complex issues that might make it a bit too grown up for the really young. It’s still a well-made film for the whole family to appreciate and enjoy. Just remember to bring your tissues.

David Axcell

Film Critic

David has quite a broad taste in film which includes big budget blockbusters and small indie films; including International and Arthouse cinema. As long as it’s good in that particular genre, he’ll watch anything.

This article is copyright owned by Keltar Limited. All rights reserved.

Plagiarism or unauthorised copying is not permitted.

All other copyrights remain the property of their respective owners.