Quick Info
This one slipped under a lot of people’s radar, but “A Monster Calls” is a family drama that weaves fantasy and reality into something really moving. It follows a young boy, Conor, who’s dealing with his mother’s illness when a yew tree monster begins visiting him at night. The story mixes gorgeous visuals, hand-drawn animation segments, and a strong core about grief and resilience—much heavier themes than you usually see in this genre, but handled in a way that older kids and teenagers can appreciate.
What really stood out to me was how honestly the movie handles complicated emotions. It doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of loss, and the performances (especially Lewis MacDougall as Conor) feel genuine. Liam Neeson as the voice of the monster brings just the right amount of gravitas. The film balances magical realism with stark real-world issues, which might make it a bit intense for very young viewers, but that's also what gives it lasting impact.
If I had a gripe, it’s that the pacing drags in parts, and the film can feel a bit relentlessly sad—even the fantastical elements are tinged with sorrow. Still, for families with tweens or teens looking for something deeper than the average adventure, this is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant choice. Maybe have tissues handy.
