14-year old Lewis MacDougall gives one of the 2016’s best performances in a film that is compelling & beautiful. A Monster Calls explores faith, letting go, and the search for healing.
Based on the award-winning book by Patrick Ness, J.A. Bayona directs this drama/fantasy that takes audiences into the unique world of young Conor (MacDougall) who explores life, death, fear, and uncertainty with the assistance of a great and magnificent tree monster (voiced by Liam Neeson). Rogue One’s Felicity Jones and the legendary Sigourney Weaver round out the cast with strong acting and thought-provoking characters.
This is a film that offers deep and rich layers in nearly every aspect of filmmaking. With captivating and stunning music (by Fernando Velazquez), wonderful cinematography, and excellent CGI, this flick also has one of the best set designs and sound designs of any film of 2016.
A Monster Calls provides valuable lessons for living in a world of chaos and rage, for exploring what scares you, and for understanding that even through our most difficult times … we are never fully alone.
A Monster Calls earns a Cinemascene grade of “A+”
- Noel T. Manning II
####
