A Monster Calls
A Monster Calls Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Movie Overview: A Monster Calls
| Movie | A Monster Calls |
| Release Year | 2016 |
| Director | J. A. Bayona |
| Genre | Fantasy / Adventure / Family |
| Runtime | 108 minutes (1h 48m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is A Monster Calls (2016) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Fantasy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in A Monster Calls are led by Lewis MacDougall . The supporting cast, including Sigourney Weaver and Felicity Jones , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
A Monster Calls stands out as a strong entry in the Fantasy genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Fantasy narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, A Monster Calls has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Fantasy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: A Monster Calls
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2016, A Monster Calls is a Fantasy, Adventure, Family film directed by J. A. Bayona, written by Patrick Ness. The narrative transports viewers to imaginative worlds filled with magic, wonder, and epic adventures. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Lewis MacDougall as Conor.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. 12-year-old Conor encounters an ancient tree monster who proceeds to help him cope with his mother's terminal illness and being bullied in school. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: A Monster Calls establishes its world and central conflict efficiently, with J. A. Bayona introducing Lewis MacDougall as Conor in the opening act, and over its 108-minute runtime, the pacing proves deliberate.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Lewis MacDougall's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings the narrative threads together, with Lewis MacDougall's arc reaching resolution. J. A. Bayona's handling of the finale provides adequate resolution.
Thematic Depth
The film operates on multiple levels, using its genre framework to explore deeper themes about human nature, society, and the choices that define us.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Solid execution of genre conventions
- Engaging moments that showcase the creators' vision
- Competent performances from the cast
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Some narrative choices that feel predictable
- Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act
Ending Explained: A Monster Calls
A Monster Calls Ending Explained: Directed by J. A. Bayona, A Monster Calls resolves its central conflicts in a coherent and engaging way. The ending highlights the core fantasy themes developed throughout the film.
The conclusion reflects the central themes explored throughout the narrative, particularly in scenes involving Lewis MacDougall. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The main storyline reaches a clear conclusion.
- Character Development: The central characters complete meaningful arcs.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the fantasy themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of A Monster Calls reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch A Monster Calls?
Age Advisory: Rated PG-13.
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Fantasy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Lewis MacDougall or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: A Monster Calls
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $43.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $47.3M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
A Monster Calls Budget
The estimated production budget for A Monster Calls is $43.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch A Monster Calls Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Google Play Movies
YouTube🏷️ Buy on
Google Play MoviesYouTubeA Monster Calls Parents Guide & Age Rating
2016 AdvisoryWondering about A Monster Calls age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of A Monster Calls (2016) is 108 minutes (1h 48m). Directed by J. A. Bayona, the film runs for 108 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.3/10, and global performance metrics, A Monster Calls is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2016 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Monster Calls worth watching?
A Monster Calls is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Fantasy movies. It has a verified rating of 7.3/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find A Monster Calls parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for A Monster Calls identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of A Monster Calls (2016)?
The runtime of A Monster Calls (2016) is 108 minutes (approximately 1h 48m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
