There are films that come out everywhere that you just expect nothing of. That doesn’t necessarily mean you think they look bad, but when the trailer comes on, you know you won’t rush to see it – you may not see it at all. That was my attitude towards J.A. Bayona’s A Monster Calls when I saw the film. I couldn’t me more wrong; what I got was a film that rocked me to my core.
The Monster (Liam Neeson) does not come walking often. This time it comes to Connor (Lewis Macdougall), and it asks for the one thing Connor cannot bring himself to do. Tell the truth. This is a very touching story about a boy who feels very damaged, guilty, and mostly angry. He struggles at school with bullies, and pitying looks from everyone, and at home with his mother’s (Felicity Jones) sickness. Will Connor overcome his problems? Will everything be OK? Will Connor be able to speak the truth?
The first 20 minutes of this film are a little bit rough; it doesn’t start out as you expect it would from the trailers, and it can lead to a little bit of confusion regarding the characters’ motivations. However, once it finds it’s footing, it becomes very clear what’s happening and from then on, it gets gradually better. The performances in this film are all wonderful. Liam Neeson has an undeniably impacting presence on this film that few other actors could have. It’s easy to criticise him for some of his recent work, but give him good material, and he’ll give you exceptional work, as he’s proved many times (Silence seems to be a good example of that, and that’s out New Year’s Day too.
Fresh off of saving the galaxy, Felicity Jones gives a quiet but strong performance as Connor’s sick mother, whilst Sigourney Weaver gives a stern but sympathetic turn as her mother. Toby Kebbell is great as usual, and is finally starring in a film that’s worthy his talent after some recent missteps such as Fant4stic and Ben-Hur. The best performance comes from newcomer Lewis MacDougall as the film’s central character. It’s amazing that in a film starring four established actors, one of whom an actual sci-fi legend, MacDougall still manages to shine above all of them. At no point does he lose the focus, or surrender the screen to his experienced co-stars. He dominates every scene he’s in; every emotion, every experience, it’s all there. and we can it in his face and in his body. Nothing is left unclear, and he takes us on this journey with him.
As I said, A Monster Calls is a film that gets gradually better, not only because it’s a visual masterpiece, but also by how it grips you as it goes on. The further you get into the film, the more intense and harrowing the film’s events feel, and each scenario is handled perfectly. Some of it is a build up of great cinematography, stunning words and impactful music, and at other times, all it needs is total silence, and you’ll feel crippled by what’s happening. There is nothing shallow about this film’s emotional core. It is brimming with just about everything you can think of. By the time it draws to a close, there’s an indescribable coldness to you. It’s a harrowing, haunting, teasing experience that isn’t forgotten anytime soon. The execution is so perfect for all of this, especially when you consider that so much of what is in this film could be done in such a lazy fashion, with no impact whatsoever. J.A. Bayona knew exactly what he wanted this film to do, and it 100% does it.
A Monster Calls is an intriguing tale that puts you through the ringer, and it’ll be amazing if you’re still standing by the end of it. It’s an original and unforgettable film that deserves your support.
A Monster Calls is in cinemas now!
Watch at The Ritzy!