A Monster Calls

A boy seeks the help of a tree monster to cope with his single mother's terminal illness.

The monster does not come walking often. This time it comes to Conor, and it asks for the one thing Conor 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 pity looks from everyone, and at home with his mother's sickness. Will Conor overcome his problems? Will everything be okay? Will Conor be able to speak the truth?

A visually spectacular drama from director J.A. Bayona (“The Impossible”). 12-year-old Conor (Lewis MacDougall), dealing with his mother's (Felicity Jones) illness, a less-than-sympathetic grandmother (Sigourney Weaver), and bullying classmates, finds a most unlikely ally when a Monster appears at his bedroom window. Ancient, wild, and relentless, the Monster guides Conor on a journey of courage, faith, and truth. Toby Kebbell plays Conor's father, and Liam Neeson stars in performance-capture and voiceover as the nocturnally visiting Monster of the title.

Critic Reviews:

• " It's a small, almost delicate film that will richly reward those who connect with it. " – David Stratton

• " If you're in the mood for emotional catharsis, A Monster Calls is one of the weepiest experiences I've had at the theater this year. " – Angie Han

• " This is not just a film about grief; it's a film that immerses you in grief's journey. " – Wendy Ide

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