A Monster Calls (2016)
2016
PG-13
108 Minutes
A boy attempts to deal with his mother's illness and the bullying of his classmates by escaping to a fantastical world.
User Review
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WHAT I LIKED: For generations, fantasy tales have helped children and adults alike understand and come to terms with the realities of life within the safety of their alternative contexts, and J.A Bayona's 'A Monster Calls,' brilliantly sees that wonderful effect very literally performed within its own boundaries. Yes here fairytale stories directly help the protagonist to deal with his own difficult situations, and seeing that happen is properly moving on its own as it brings the importance and effectiveness of fictional storytelling to the centre stage. This effect is only felt though because you're so attached to the characters which is not least because Felicity Jones, Sigourney Weaver and the incredible Lewis MacDougall all deliver great performances, but also because real focus is drawn to their difficult central story which is more than enough to emotionally engage on its own.
The lessons of the stories then told to MacDougall's Connor by Liam Neeson's wonderful monster have poetic messages behind themselves that not only bring a lot to Connor, but also to the audience. Indeed this film allows us to be just as affected by the fantasy as the lead is with plenty of meaningful stuff brought to life beautifully with unique visuals and dabbles of charming humour. In the end this all makes for something that will have you smiling and weeping (it's rare that even I cry this much at a film), and more than that, truly appreciating the power that storytelling has on us all.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: It may paint things rather literally compared to the efforts of Guillermo Del Toro (whose work you can't help but compare this to) but the result is arguably something more comprehensive and affecting than even he has ever managed.
VERDICT: A film that very directly explores the effect that fantasy storytelling can have on us all, 'A Monster Calls,' winds up a beautifully poetic and engaging fairytale of its own. What a wonderful piece of work.1 member likes this review.
