This is without a doubt one of the most meaningful and beautiful films I have seen in a long time but it probably won't find a big audience as it should. Because one of the things it does well is that it doesn't treat you like a five year old.
A Monster Calls is more than just a fantasy film where the impossible becomes possible. It's nothing like that. Everything fantastic is an allegory to basic life lessons. Issues we all have to deal with at one point in our life. In this case it's death and loss. Conor (played by Lewis MacDougall) lives with his mother (Felicity Jones) who has cancer and her treatments seem to be failing. Conor is trying to cope with it the best he can but all the changes and events he has to face become unbearable. Until he gets aid from a very unlikely manifestation. The monster voiced by Liam Neeson. It is at this point that things start to unravel and become explosive and Conor seems to be at the center of it all.
It was an absolute joy to the see the story unfold and have a climax that was build up properly. This film easily could have pulled all the heartstrings but thankfully avoids this by staying as real as possible. It also doesn't bother explaining things. Since for the most part it's very easy to follow if you are willing to go past the fantastic elements and are able to connect the dots. Each dot is carefully placed and has it's effect in the overall story. Every event in this film matters and is relevant. Not a single second is wasted with unnecessary side plots or random filler. I can't tell you how refreshing that was. But most of all it's the excellent acting done by Lewis that convinces. He manages to strike the right chords every time and always coming across as sincere. That is one hell of an accomplishment and many actors (kid or adults) could learn from him. Having Liam Neeson around also couldn't hurt since he is always someone you can count on. I am not sure about Sigourney Weaver though. Her English accent was done poorly and distracted me a little from accepting her as a character. Especially since she was not in this movie as much to matter much although that might have been deliberate as the film addresses this. But I can't shake the feeling that an authentic English (British) speaking actress would have done a better job. Still if I think about it some more her role was vital in relation to Conor. In any case overall the film is made with a lot of love and attention to details that matter.
Do I really need to repeat that you need to watch this film? It's a must watch for sure.
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