There’s only been a hand full of movies , where at the end, I sit in complete silence. A silence that is a quiet reflection, taking in what I had just seen, and usually drying my eyes. A Monster Calls is now on that list.
How does this story begin? Like so many other stories. A child, who is too old to be a boy, too young to be a man, and a situation that no one should ever have to go through. Connor O’Malley (Lewis MacDougall) is a 12 year old, who is bullied, has a strained relationship with his father (Toby Kebbell), and whose mother (Felicity Jones) is suffering from a life threatening illness. One night a Monster(Liam Neeson) comes to his door, the monster tells Connor that he will tell him 3 stories. After the stories are told Connor will tell the monster his nightmare, and his truth.
At the helm of this dark fantasy, is J.A.Bayona, who is very good at making dark fantasy, directed a truly depressing, but beautiful, fable of finding inner strength, and accepting your feelings. Visually stunning from start to finish. From the monster coming to life, to the animation sequences of the monsters tales. Stunning, and filled with poignant messages, as the script was penned by the author the book Patrick Ness. Nothing is lost, and it reads just as powerful. From the fairy tale stories of the monster, to the conversations between Connor and his family members.
The actors in this movie will break your heart. Lewis MacDougall, is newer to the film scene, and he gives a devastating performance as Connor. Delivering a well crafted story arch, like a pot of water coming to a boil, then going from a boil to boiling over. The on screen chemistry between him, and Felicity Jones is electric. She plays the ailing mother, with so much love, and the worse she gets, the more love she gives. “I wish I had 100 years to give to you.” There are 2 very key conversations between mother and son, which will make your eyes turn into faucets. Supporting these two, Liam Neeson as a monster helping Connor accept the reality around him, and Sigourney Weaver as the Grandmother, trying to hold everything together. Neeson has such a distinct voice, that the fanciful poetry of the monsters wisdom and tales, sound like stories that you could read from the Brothers Grimm, and that you have known for your whole life. Weaver gives a knockout performance as a grandmother, suffering watching her daughter go through hell, and trying to make sure her grandson is alright. Through this she also, is managing her real estate business, and is keeping her self together. She’s sterner than most, but has nothing but good intentions, and wins you over eventually.
From start to finish I didn’t even want to blink. This is stunning story telling, with dark topic matter, expressed through wonder and magic, with knock out performances that dig deep into your feelings and wont let go long after the credits have rolled. A Monster Calls is something that doesn’t come around very often. A message that is universal, but not easy to do, accept the truth, your truth, and the truth of others. The truth that most people aren’t good or bad but somewhere in the middle. The truth that being invisible to everyone is lonely, but its more lonely to be seen, while being left alone. Your mind will believe comforting lies while also knowing the painful truths that make those lies necessary. A great film, if you’re not in tears by the end, you don’t have a heart.
Overall 5/5
A Day Walkers Opinion 