A MONSTER CALLS (Theatrical Release USA 2016)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.2|5.0 Starsìììì 

A Monster Calls—troubling, odd storyline—becomes difficult as the viewer attempts to reconcile the metaphor of the yew tree with the tumbling events in the boy’s life. Obscurity marks the film from its beginning to the conclusion where the yew tree appears alongside his mother in her art book. However, despite the disconnectedness of events, the movie will not soon be forgotten. If its production deliberately meant to provoke thoughts of brokenness, then it accomplishes that quite well.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

While a boy’s mother dies, he has recurring nightmares that involve a Yew tree. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director J.A. Bayona for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Belen Atienza, Mitch Horwits, and Jonathan King for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: Conor O’Malley (Lewis MacDougall), Monster (Voice of Liam Neeson), Mrs. Clayton (Sigourney Weaver), Elizabeth Clayton (Felicity Jones), Liam O’Malley (Toby Kebbell), Harry (James Melville), and Head Teacher (Geraldine Chaplin). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. The story presents well onscreen and serves as a teen/adult share. 

Video Critique Available Here: 

 

Ben Meyers