Review of A Monster Calls (2016) by Nik G — 09 Jan 2017

I defy anyone in possession of a heart (and a mother) not to cry their eyes during the moving, depressing couple of hours of dark fantasy that make up A Monster Calls. An extraordinary performance by Lewis MacDougall holds together what could have been an over-schmaltzy picture about a boy coming to terms with impending loss.

Liam Neeson provides a confusing moral core, challenging the young hero's initially naive assumptions about what constitutes monstrosity, and how we should treat those we consider to be beyond saving (and those we pray can be saved).

Take a huge box of tissues, and a stiff drink for afterwards. Similar in tone to Pan's Labyrinth, but not quite at the same level, this is a must-see for anyone who can bear the thought of losing someone they love and having absolutely no say about it.

Anyone else, beware. It will rollercoaster you to tears.