“A Monster Calls” is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that explores themes of grief, loss, and acceptance through the eyes of a young boy. While the movie offers a powerful and cathartic experience, it also contains mature themes and potentially disturbing content that parents should be aware of before allowing their children to watch it. This parent’s guide provides a detailed breakdown of the film’s content to help you make an informed decision.
Violence and Gore
The film contains several scenes of violence, both real and fantastical.
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A boy experiences a nightmare where a church crumbles, a sinkhole opens, and his mother falls into it. This scene can be particularly frightening for younger viewers.
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The Monster’s arrival is depicted with intense imagery. A boy hears rumbling, his room shakes, and a tree transforms into a monstrous figure with glowing red eyes. The Monster’s actions, such as knocking over light poles and crumpling railroad tracks, add to the sense of threat.
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Animated sequences depict violent acts: a man covered in blood next to a dead woman; a man holding a dagger over a woman (implied violence). These scenes, although animated, can be disturbing.
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The boy is physically bullied at school. The bullies surround him, step on his hand, pull his tongue, shove, hit, and kick him. A scene shows the boy chasing another and pounding his face repeatedly, resulting in a bloodied face. These scenes depict realistic and upsetting violence.
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The boy exhibits destructive behavior, smashing furniture and breaking objects in his grandmother’s home. While not directed at people, this displays anger and can be upsetting.
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Animated sequences contain stories of loss and violence: a king loses his sons to a sword and a dragon; a queen commits suicide; a king is poisoned; daughters fall into a hole in the ground; a queen is presumably killed in a burning castle. These sequences are stylized but depict serious and potentially frightening events.
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A scene from “King Kong” is shown, where the beast falls from the Empire State Building. This brief clip might be disturbing for younger viewers.
Mature Themes
“A Monster Calls” tackles difficult and complex themes that may be challenging for some children.
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Grief and Loss: The film centers around a boy coping with his mother’s terminal illness. The depiction of her sickness, hospital visits, and the looming threat of death are emotionally heavy.
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Acceptance: The Monster challenges the boy to confront his emotions and accept the truth, even when it’s painful.
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Family conflict: The boy’s relationship with his grandmother is strained, and they argue about his living arrangements. The absence of his father and the complexities of his family situation contribute to the film’s emotional depth.
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The nature of truth: The Monster forces the boy to confront uncomfortable truths about himself and his relationships, demonstrating that truth can be complex and contradictory.
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Responsibility: The boy struggles with the weight of his emotions and the responsibility he feels towards his mother.
Language
The film contains some mild language, including insults and arguments. While not excessive, parents should be aware that some harsh words are used.
Overall
“A Monster Calls” is a powerful and moving film that can be a valuable experience for older children and teenagers who are prepared to engage with its mature themes. However, due to the violence, disturbing imagery, and emotionally challenging content, it is not suitable for young children. Parents should consider their child’s maturity level and sensitivity before allowing them to watch it.
By providing this detailed parents guide, we hope to equip you with the information you need to make an informed decision about whether “A Monster Calls” is right for your family. The movie offers an opportunity for meaningful conversations about grief, loss, and the importance of facing difficult emotions, but it’s essential to ensure that your child is ready for the journey.
