A Monster Calls Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A tree bullies a boy into admitting he secretly wants his dying mom to hurry up and kick the bucket so he doesn’t have to deal with it anymore.

🍿 A Monster Calls: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Conor’s Troubled Life

Conor O’Malley, a twelve-year-old boy, grapples with his mother’s terminal illness, relentless bullying at school, and a recurring nightmare. His father lives far away in America, and his strained relationship with his strict grandmother adds to his emotional burden. These mounting pressures leave Conor feeling isolated and overwhelmed.

The Monster’s Arrival

At 12:07 AM, a giant yew tree transforms into a monster and visits Conor. Voiced by Liam Neeson, the Monster tells Conor that he will share three stories, after which Conor must reveal his own truth. The stories offer complex moral lessons, challenging Conor’s understanding of good and evil, and forcing him to confront his deepest fears and emotions.

Confronting the Truth

As Conor navigates the Monster’s tales, his real-world struggles intensify. His mother’s condition worsens, and his relationship with his grandmother becomes more strained. Each story pushes Conor closer to confronting the truth of his nightmare and the pain he’s been suppressing. The Monster serves as a catalyst, guiding Conor toward acceptance and healing.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Conor (Lewis MacDougall): A troubled twelve-year-old boy struggling to cope with his mother’s terminal illness and bullying at school.
• Mum (Felicity Jones): Conor’s loving mother who is battling a terminal illness.
• The Monster (Liam Neeson): An ancient yew tree monster who visits Conor to help him confront his pain and tell the truth.
• Grandma (Sigourney Weaver): Conor’s stern but ultimately caring grandmother who becomes his guardian.
• Harry (James Melville): The school bully who torments Conor, adding to his already difficult situation.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• The Monster: “Stories are wild creatures. When you let them loose, who knows what havoc they might wreak?” – The Monster warns Conor about the unpredictable power and impact of stories.
• The Monster: “There is not always a good guy. Nor is there always a bad one. Most people are somewhere in between.” – The Monster explains the complex nature of humanity in his first story.
• The Monster: “You believe comforting lies, while knowing full well the painful truth that makes those lies necessary.” – The Monster speaks to Conor about human’s capacity for self-deception to cope with difficult realities.
• Mum: “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” – Conor’s mum apologizes in the hospital. He asks what treatment is next but she doesn’t reply there aren’t any more treatments. His mom apologizes and says she’s sorry.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $43,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $3,740,823
• Worldwide Gross: $47,309,313

💥 A Monster Calls Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into this movie expecting a fantasy adventure, but it was SO much more. I was completely unprepared for the emotional gut-punch. The scenes between Conor and his mom were heartbreaking, and Liam Neeson’s voice as the Monster was both comforting and terrifying. That final scene in the hospital? I was a blubbering mess. I think the moment Conor revealed his truth, the truth he’s been hiding, it was like my heart breaking for him. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll. Definitely worth watching, but be warned: bring tissues!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of fantasy dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in stories about grief and healing”
  • “Those who appreciate visually stunning films”
  • “Readers of the original novel by Patrick Ness”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Themes of terminal illness and death”
  • “Bullying”
  • “Emotional distress”
  • “Some intense scenes may be disturbing for younger viewers”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “J.A. Bayona blends live-action with exquisite animation to explore grief, guilt, and acceptance. Lewis MacDougall delivers a staggering performance, supported by Weaver and Jones, making it a haunting and beautiful experience.
• The Hollywood Reporter: ” ‘A Monster Calls’ is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that explores complex themes of loss and truth. Bayona’s direction and the cast’s performances create a deeply moving experience, but be prepared to shed a tear.
• Empire: “A Monster Calls is a deeply moving and visually spectacular film that tackles difficult subjects with grace and honesty. MacDougall is phenomenal, and Neeson’s voice work as the Monster is perfect. Bring tissues.

Audience Reactions

The animation sequences were breathtaking and added a unique dimension to the story.: Visually stunning and emotionally powerful, the film resonates with viewers who have experienced loss.

Lewis MacDougall’s performance was incredible for such a young actor.: The acting was superb, especially the young lead, making the emotional journey believable and impactful.

Overall Consensus: A Monster Calls is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful film that explores complex themes of grief and acceptance, resonating deeply with audiences despite its heavy subject matter.

Awards

1. Goya Awards (Best Director)- 2017
2. Goya Awards (Best Special Effects)- 2017
3. Goya Awards (Best Art Direction)- 2017
4. Goya Awards (Best Original Score)- 2017
5. Empire Awards (Best Fantasy)- 2017

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The novel was originally started by Siobhan Dowd, who passed away before finishing it. Patrick Ness completed the book, giving credit to her original idea.”
• “Liam Neeson not only voiced the Monster but also performed the motion capture for the character, adding depth to the portrayal.”
• “The animated sequences illustrating the Monster’s stories were created using a unique watercolor and ink style, inspired by traditional animation techniques.”

🖥️ How to Watch A Monster Calls?

A Monster Calls is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability, as it may vary by region. Digital purchase options provide the convenience of owning the film for repeated viewing.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed A Monster Calls, you might like these similar films:

• Pan’s Labyrinth (2006): Both films blend dark fantasy with real-world issues, exploring a child’s escape into a magical world to cope with trauma and loss.
• Bridge to Terabithia (2007): Deals with themes of grief and loss through a child’s imaginative world, creating a poignant narrative about friendship and coping with death.
• The Sixth Sense (1999): Involves a child dealing with a supernatural element (seeing ghosts) as a metaphor for processing emotional and psychological trauma.
• Where the Wild Things Are (2009): Explores a child’s emotional turmoil and journey of self-discovery through a fantastical adventure, with a focus on anger and reconciliation.

🛒 A Monster Calls Related Products

• A Monster Calls [Blu-ray]: Experience the film’s stunning visuals and emotional depth in high definition.
• A Monster Calls: The Deluxe Special Edition: Contains the book and exclusive artwork inspired by the film.
• A Monster Calls Graphic Novel: Experience the story told in images.
• A Monster Calls: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: Composed by Fernando Velázquez, this hauntingly beautiful soundtrack enhances the emotional impact of the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

A Monster Calls features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “A Monster Calls” – performed by Fernando Velázquez
• “The Graveyard” – performed by Fernando Velázquez
• “Drawing” – performed by Fernando Velázquez

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

A Monster Calls – Movie Review

Hey there, movie buff! Wondering if ‘A Monster Calls’ is worth your time? Check out this review by Jeremy Jahns, a trusted source for film critiques, to get a comprehensive analysis of the movie’s strengths and weaknesses.

A MONSTER CALLS (2017) Review SPOILERS

Attention, movie enthusiasts! If you’ve watched ‘A Monster Calls’ and are craving a deeper dive, this spoiler-filled review by FoundFlix will unravel the film’s intricate layers, leaving you with a fresh perspective.

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