Background on Fantasy Movies
Fantasy movies are some of the most popular genres in film today. They are beloved for their imaginative storylines, exciting action sequences and larger-than-life characters. But in recent years, the genre has evolved, with the introduction of the fantasy-horror hybrid – ‘A Monster Calls’. A Monster Calls is the story of a young boy who is visited by a giant tree monster, whose voice is that of Liam Neeson. The monstrous being helps the child to cope with the death of his mother by embarking on a quest to save her.
Audience Emotion
A Monster Calls is a masterclass in audience emotion; it manages to effectively make people cry, laugh and feel fear all in one viewing. The story and characters are beautifully crafted and deeply touching, while the visuals are stunning.The filmmakers have also managed to create a truly unique and powerful climax, which is something many fantasy-horror movies have trouble doing.
Horror Elements
Fantasy horror movies have a reputation for being cheesy and predictable, but A Monster Calls deftly avoids this trap. The horror elements are used in a way that builds suspense, rather than just relying on jump scares. The monster is also an integral part of the story, rather than just being an obstacle to be overcome. Its presence adds a great deal of depth to the story and the way in which it interacts with the characters helps the audience to empathize with them even more.
Touching Storyline and Great Acting
The story of A Monster Calls is incredibly touching as it deals with a family tragedy. It is told in a very honest and open way, which allows the audience to feel the pain of the protagonist. The cast also gives stellar performances, with Lewis MacDougall as the young protagonist, and Liam Neeson as the giant tree monster being particularly impactful. The score is also masterful and beautifully captures the emotion of the story.
Praise from Critics
A Monster Calls has received both critical and commercial success. Critics have praised the film for its powerful story and outstanding performances. Roger Ebert called it ‘a great, subtle work of art’, while the Washington Post’s review stated that ‘it will leave you in tears and with a newfound respect for fantasy-horror hybrids’.
Conclusion
A Monster Calls is a remarkable fantasy-horror movie and a highly innovative take on the genre. It masterfully combines elements of fantasy, horror and drama to create an emotionally powerful experience that is sure to leave viewers in tears. With its unique story, powerful performances and stunning visuals, it stands out as one of the best fantasy-horror movies ever made.
Legacy of A Monster Calls
The huge success of A Monster Calls has led to a surge of similar hybrid fantasy-horror movies. Films like Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water and Pan’s Labyrinth all take up some of the themes and techniques of the movie, creating a new trend for fantasy-horror films. It is clear that A Monster Calls has had a significant impact on the genre.
Narrative Structure
A Monster Calls also helped to push the boundaries of fantasy-horror movies by introducing a new type of narrative structure. Rather than relying on jump scares and a linear structure, A Monster Calls incorporates elements of the paranormal and the subconscious to create a more complex and ever-changing story.
Next Generation of Fantasy Films
A Monster Calls has also helped to push the boundaries of fantasy films in general. By introducing unique visuals and pushing the audience to feel empathy for its characters, it has opened the door for more creative and emotionally powerful fantasies. This has helped to usher in a new wave of impressive and groundbreaking fantasy movies.
Cultural Impact
The immense success of A Monster Calls has also led to a wave of merchandising and tribute art. From posters to action figures to video games, it is clear that the movie has become a cultural phenomenon. People of all ages have been captivated by the story and the characters, helping to make it one of the most beloved fantasy movies of all time.
