A Monster Calls

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2:28

A Monster Calls

PG-13

2017

1h 48m

Fantasy

Adventure

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

86%

Tomatometer

264 Reviews

81%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

Conor (Lewis MacDougall) is dealing with far more than other boys his age. His beloved and devoted mother (Felicity Jones) is ill. He has little in common with his imperious grandmother. His father has resettled thousands of miles away. But Conor finds a most unlikely ally when the Monster (Liam Neeson) appears at his bedroom window one night. Ancient, wild, and relentless, the Monster guides Conor on a journey of courage, faith, and truth that powerfully fuses imagination and reality.

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Critics Consensus

A Monster Calls deftly balances dark themes and fantastical elements to deliver an engrossing and uncommonly moving entry in the crowded coming-of-age genre.

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Sandra Hall

Sydney Morning Herald

Jul 26, 2017

4.5/5

A Monster Calls is an adaptation of a children's book with a title that makes it sound like a horror movie. Neither of these things should obscure the fact that it's the most mature film of the year -- and one of the most moving.

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David Stratton

The Australian

Jul 21, 2017

4/5

It's a small, almost delicate film that will richly reward those who connect with it.

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Angie Han

Slashfilm

Jun 13, 2017

7/10

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.

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JD Duran

InSession Film

Aug 8, 2024

I loved A Monster Calls, and the moment I have to deal with tragedy, this is a film I will come back to.

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Joe Lipsett

Hazel & Katniss & Harry & Starr Podcast

Jul 16, 2024

3.5/5

Occasionally janky FX aside, Bayona's film pulls on the heartstrings in the same way Ness' source material does.

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Brendan Cassidy

InSession Film

Jun 18, 2024

J.A. Bayona’s vision of Patrick Ness’ well regarded children’s book is a wild blend of gothic imagination and fairy tale charm, supported most importantly by an innocent look at grieving.

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Robert P

@Superbad Sep 17, 2026

A Monster Calls = a *4* star Movie!

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Donnie G

@Snooganzmooganz Apr 18, 2026

I cry everytime I watch this movie. It’s a heartbreaking movie but amazing nonetheless. The ending is what I absolutely love the most. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

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Carlos M

@CarlosMZ Apr 5, 2026

Es muy buena si de verdad te gustan las peliculas de fantasia me recuerda mucho a spiderwick un poco

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matthias S

@Thescreenasvor Mar 23, 2026

Finally got around to *A Monster Calls* after it sitting on my watchlist forever. Big fan of Bayona, and he really delivers that dark, tense atmosphere he’s so good at. The creature looks amazing, and Liam Neeson’s voice is perfect—super powerful and emotional. The whole thing is clearly crafted with care, from visuals to performances. But for me, the writing is where it stumbles. It feels a bit over-layered, like it’s trying too hard to be deep, sad, and meaningful all at once. Still a solid watch, just not as impactful as I expected.

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Al M

@Almatt Mar 22, 2026

Good watch, not a fan of school bullies I know that it happens, happened to me. Generally bullies grow up to be a bully, in the work place at home, to partners and their own children. The cycle goes on and on and on. There's a Roland Dal about the film. Young actor played a good moody youngster. Overall a good film

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Madam D

@Madam1948 Mar 1, 2026

Such a powerful statement of love & family. The Yew tree is symbolic of many truths about this family. Facing life with support means we can deal with all it's hard truths. The special effects are perfect. Seen this several times.

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J. A. Bayona

Director

Lewis MacDougall

Conor

Sigourney Weaver

Grandma

Felicity Jones

Mum

Toby Kebbell

Dad

Ben Moor

Mr. Clark

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A Monster Calls: Featurette - Making Of

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A Monster Calls: Teaser Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Conor (Lewis MacDougall) is dealing with far more than other boys his age. His beloved and devoted mother (Felicity Jones) is ill. He has little in common with his imperious grandmother. His father has resettled thousands of miles away. But Conor finds a most unlikely ally when the Monster (Liam Neeson) appears at his bedroom window one night. Ancient, wild, and relentless, the Monster guides Conor on a journey of courage, faith, and truth that powerfully fuses imagination and reality.

Director: J. A. Bayona
Producer: Belén Atienza
Screenwriter: Patrick Ness
Distributor: Focus Features
Production Co: Apaches Entertainment, La Trini, Telecinco Cinema
Rating: PG-13 (Thematic Content|Some Scary Images)
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 6, 2017, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 14, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $2.2M
Runtime: 1h 48m

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