A Monster Calls

A Monster Calls

Year: 2016

Runtime: 108 min

Language: English

Director: Juan Antonio Bayona

DramaFantasy

A young boy struggling with his mother's serious illness finds solace in a fantastical friendship with a towering tree monster. As Conor grapples with family tensions and overwhelming sadness, the Monster guides him on a series of nighttime stories, challenging him to face difficult truths and explore the complexities of grief, courage, and the power of storytelling. Through their interactions, Conor confronts his inner demons and learns valuable lessons about acceptance and healing.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – A Monster Calls (2016)

Trace every key event in A Monster Calls (2016) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Nightmare Begins

Conor, a 12-year-old boy, finds himself in a haunting nightmare where he is clinging to his mother, Lizzie. As she tips toward an abyss, he struggles to maintain his grip, symbolizing his fear of losing her.

2

Reality Awakens

Conor awakens to the reality of his mother's battle with cancer, as evident by her hairless head. Over breakfast, Lizzie informs him about her upcoming chemotherapy session, foreshadowing the challenges ahead.

Conor's home
3

Grandmother's Visit

Conor learns that his grandmother will be visiting, which fills him with dread. He feels the tension building as they prepare for her arrival, indicating a strained family dynamic.

Conor's home
4

School Bully

At school, Conor faces a bully who exploits his emotional vulnerability. This confrontation underscores Conor's struggles, both at home and in his social environment, adding layers to his turmoil.

School
5

Encounter with the Monster

That night, a booming voice jolts Conor awake, leading him to a towering tree that transforms into a Monster. This moment marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey where the Monster promises to share three stories.

6

First Story Begins

The Monster begins telling Conor his first story, revealing deeper insights into morality and responsibility. Through these tales, Conor learns that there are complexities in human emotions and relationships.

7

Gran Arrives

Conor's grandmother arrives the next morning, taking over Conor's life in a way that he resents. The tension between them escalates as she attempts to take charge of his world amidst his mother's illness.

Conor's home
8

Lessons from Stories

As the Monster's tales unfold, they showcase moral gray areas, including a deceitful prince and an ethical apothecary. These stories challenge Conor to confront his emotions and the grief he harbors for his mother.

9

Confrontation at School

Conor finds an outlet for his turmoil and frustrations by confronting his bully at school. This pivotal moment spells a significant transformation in Conor's character as he begins to assert himself.

School
10

Facing Painful Truths

Each encounter with the Monster becomes deeply personal, as it forces Conor to confront uncomfortable truths about himself. He realizes that he summoned the Monster not just for protection, but for his own healing.

11

Cliffside Confrontation

In a dramatic climax, Conor is taken back to the edge of his nightmare—a cliff that symbolizes his fear of losing his mother. Here, he must come to terms with the truth of her impending fate and his own desires.

12

Acceptance of Fate

Conor learns that to move forward, he must accept the reality of his mother's condition and let her go in a healthy way. This realization is crucial for his growth and emotional development.

13

Bonding with Gran

Post-revelation, Conor and his grandmother find a way to navigate their shared pain together. This process helps to solidify their bond as they learn to express love for Lizzie despite their losses.

Conor's home
14

Discovering Connection

Conor uncovers one of his mother's artworks, revealing a mystical drawing of the Monster. This discovery emphasizes the connection between Conor and his mother, highlighting the intertwined nature of their experiences.

Conor's home
15

The Power of Stories

In the end, Conor recognizes the power that stories have in shaping our lives and processing our emotions. The narrative intertwines their lives in unexpected ways, comforting him amidst his grief.

Last Updated: November 07, 2024 at 23:46

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A Monster Calls Summary

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A Monster Calls Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in A Monster Calls

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Characters, Settings & Themes in A Monster Calls

More About A Monster Calls

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