Review of A Monster Calls (2016) by Dawdlingpoet — 20 Nov 2021

I found this an engrossing and quite atmospheric watch. Its sombre and potentially upsetting at points, due to the main themes present and I wouldn't recommend it for younger children to watch on that basis as its about grief.

There is some pretty impressive CGI featured and good performances from Lewis MacDougall, who plays the main character, Conor (he sounded very convincing in terms of his fear and anger about what was happening) and also Sigourney Weaver who portrays his grandmother (who isn't named) and Felicity Jones, who plays his sick mother. There is a strong element of fantasy present - I suppose there is an allegory or symbolism present in the titular monster representing Conors emotions at times. It is perhaps a somewhat thought provoking watch - its certainly not a bad film and so I'd recommend it on that basis.