“A Monster Calls” surrenders to our truths. When we do so, we set ourselves free. Liam Neeson as the Monster tells Lewis MacDougall’s young Conor, “Speak the simplest truth.” Hold on tight to those you love, while letting go.
MacDougall and Neeson are amazing grace in Director J.A. Bayona’s “A Monster Calls”. “A Monster Calls” is about the serenity of acceptance. At a telling point in the story, Conor confesses to the Monster, “I’m afraid.” He says, “You should be.” It is all right to be afraid. It is all right to just be. That is the beauty of “A Monster Calls”.
In the opening scene, Conor awakes from a recurrent nightmare as he loses grasp of his Mum’s hands and she falls into the dark abyss. Set in England, 12-year-old Conor (MacDougall) selflessly cares for himself and his Mum (Felicity Jones), who seems to suffer from terminal cancer. He is terrified of what’s next. He endures physical and verbal abuses from school bully Harry (a good James Melville). Conor’s only escape derives from his drawings and watercolor paintings. One night, a behemoth Monster (voiced by Neeson) arises from the yew tree on the hill. The Monster will tell Conor three stories. Then Conor must tell the fourth story— his own truth.
Patrick Ness wrote the screenplay based on his novel. Renowned children’s author Siobhan Dowd originated the idea that inspired his novel. Bayona and Ness miraculously weave their story with gorgeous tapestries of animation, watercolor, and live action. The Monster narrates the story of: “A boy too old to be a kid. Too young to be a man.” MacDougall breaks our hearts as Conor, a boy who has lost his smile. The Monster is the austere rooted sinuous beast towering over Conor. Neeson voices him with fierce benevolence and ruthless compassion. He tells Conor that there are no good guys; there are no bad guys. Maybe we are all somewhere in between. Neeson and MacDougall’s profound partnership in “A Monster Calls” poignantly resonates.
Felicity Jones as Conor’s Mom Lizzy appears gaunt and frail, but she embodies her bold spirit. Lizzy’s last recourse is an experimental treatment at the hospital. Grandma (seemingly rigid Sigourney Weaver) must care for Conor at her home. He would rather not. His Dad (compassionate Toby Kebbell), who lives in Los Angeles with his new family, visits Conor and his Mum. There is a singular smile when Conor sees him. The reason for his visit is direr. He tells Conor that he needs to be brave. School bullies constantly plague Conor.
Now what does the Monster want of him? And what is Conor’s own story?
Director Bayona creates the eloquently stunning imagery of the Monster’s stories. Neeson’s voice punctuates the gravitas and paradox of the tales. The movie is a visual masterpiece. The heart of the story comes from the powerful performances. Felicity Jones as Mum is unconditional love. She tells Conor, “I wish I could give you a 100 years.” I was in tears, and often throughout the movie. Kebbell is valiant as Conor’s estranged Dad, vulnerable and doing his very best. Sigourney Weaver is a surprise. Her Grandma is not what she seems. Her humanity touches.
MacDougall and Neeson are amazing and inspired. MacDougall evokes this radiant soul in sadness, pain, and anger. When he hugs his Mum— you know what is in his heart. Neeson voices the Monster as both ominous and gently compassionate. He tells Conor that he’ll be with him, and the world is safe. Everything will be all right.
Bayona beautifully ties together his story. In the end, everything makes sense, as if it were our own truth as well. “A Monster Calls” will make you cry and smile from your soul.
It is an awesome movie. It may make you think about your own truth. “A Monster Calls” is about your simplest truth setting you free.
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