A Monster Calls (2016)

Overview
"A Monster Calls" is a 2016 dream drama film directed by J. A. Bayona, based on an unique composed by Patrick Ness, who likewise penned the motion picture's screenplay. The motion picture mixes fantasy and reality to depict a young boy's battle to manage his mom's terminal disease.

Plot
The movie follows Conor O'Malley (played by Lewis MacDougall), a 12-year-old boy who is grappling with his mother's (Felicity Jones) terminal cancer and the grim truth of impending loss. With his father (Toby Kebbell) living in America and his granny (Sigourney Weaver) who is quite stern, Conor is mainly left to handle his mom's sickness and the threat of school bullying all by himself.

The Monster and the Stories
One night, at 12:07, Conor summons a monstrous tree animal (voiced by Liam Neeson) who assures to tell Conor 3 stories in exchange for Conor's own truth, which is his inmost fear. Each story informed by the Monster is complex, bring both dark and light aspects within them, demonstrating the ambiguity of morality. These stories act as metaphors that ultimately assist Conor comprehend his feelings, actions, and the disorderly world around him.

Handling Grief and Acceptance
Throughout the movie, Conor browses through the five stages of sorrow-- denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and approval. The Monster's sees and the stories it shares guide Conor progressively through these stages. Conor's destructive rage after hearing the 3rd story represents his anger, while the 4th tale, which is Conor's reality, represents approval.

Conor's Truth
In the final crescendo of the film, Conor reveals his darkest fear-- he desired completion of his mom's suffering, even understanding that it would indicate her death. This heartbreaking confession, that he wants everything to be over, all at once speaks the truth of human frailness and love; the fragile balance of wanting an end to the suffering of a liked one, yet not wanting to let them go. The Monster helps him understand the intricacy of his feelings, that harboring such a wish did not make him an enemy.

Conclusion
As the movie concludes, Conor is much better equipped to manage his mother's death, having accepted the inevitability of it. The Monster disappears however leaves a lasting impression on Conor, equipping him with the strength and knowledge to manage his loss and face life ahead.

"A Monster Calls" is a beautifully moving tale of suffering, love, fact, and approval. Regardless of set versus the background of a young kid's creativity, it resonates with audiences of any ages due to its universal themes and sincere depiction of human feelings.

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