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Cover of A Monster Calls

film

A Monster Calls

2016

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.

Ages 13+Source checked

Why this age? The film contains sustained grief around terminal cancer, frightening nightmares and monster imagery, a parent’s death, bullying, destructive behavior, and an intense fight. Its emotional themes require maturity and supportive discussion. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age13+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character5/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience5/5
  • Positive messages5/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character5/5
Why this rating?

The boy’s mother dies from terminal illness; the film directly explores anticipatory grief, guilt, and his conflicted feelings.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Injuries and illness are serious, but the supplied plot does not indicate graphic blood or wound detail.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Includes some moderate verbal bullying and harsh language consistent with the school setting.

Religious themes2/5
Why this rating?

A church, churchyard, parson, and religious story imagery appear, though religion is not the film’s main subject.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Romance is not a focus; a monster story includes a sleeping beloved, whose death is part of the tale.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

A giant tree monster, nightmares, a collapsing church, a sinkhole, and a mother falling into a void create sustained frightening imagery.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Medical treatment and chemotherapy are central, but recreational substance use is not identified.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

A boy is bullied, joins destructive fantasy behavior, wrecks a room, and violently attacks a bully, hospitalizing him.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience5/5
Why this rating?

Conor is encouraged to confront fear, grief, anger, and an unwanted truth with emotional honesty.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Drawing, dream imagery, storytelling, and the imaginative tree monster are central ways the film explores feelings and problem-solving.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

The cast is primarily representative of its setting in rural England, without specific focus on diverse demographic representation.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Provides significant insight into the psychological process of grieving and the validity of complex emotions.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Family members, teachers, and the Monster show care and understanding, especially as Conor faces his mother’s decline.

Positive messages5/5
Why this rating?

The film strongly emphasizes truth-telling, accepting complicated feelings, grieving honestly, and finding support during loss.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Adults provide care and understanding, while Conor’s anger and assault are treated as expressions of distress rather than ideal behavior.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in A Monster Calls would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in A Monster Calls, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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