What Happens at the End of A Monster Calls?

The Old Vic in association with Bristol Old Vic, Jonathan Church Productions & Global Creatures’ present their Olivier Award-winning production, A Monster Calls. Thirteen-year-old Conor and his mum have managed just fine since his dad moved to America. But now his mum’s very sick and she’s not getting any better. His grandmother won’t stop interfering and the kids at school won’t look him in the eye. Then, one night, at seven minutes past midnight, Conor is woken by something at his window. A monster has come walking. It’s come to tell Conor tales from when it walked before. And when it’s finished, Conor must tell his own story and face his deepest fears. On publication, A Monster Calls became a bestseller with children and adults alike with its dazzling insight into love, loss and healing. It garnered huge critical acclaim, including an unprecedented double win of the Carnegie and Greenaway Medals for outstanding children’s literature and illustration.

Sally Cookson's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Matthew Tennyson (Conor)'s journey. Thirteen-year-old Conor and his mum have managed just fine since his dad moved to America.

How Does Matthew Tennyson (Conor)'s Story End?

• Matthew Tennyson: Matthew Tennyson's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
• Marianne Oldham (Mum / Ensemble): Marianne Oldham's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
• Stuart Goodwin (Monster / Ensemble): Stuart Goodwin's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of A Monster Calls Mean?

The ending of A Monster Calls brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Matthew Tennyson's story may not satisfy all audiences.