A few months ago, I first saw a preview for the film “A Monster Calls” and was immediately struck by the imagery of grief personified as a monster. I thought it was a brilliant idea. The story seemed simple enough and even from the preview – spoiler alert! – I was sure the mom was dying. Why else would powerful emotions be a monster? There was no way, I thought, that she’d make a miraculous recovery.
On my recent trip to NYC, when I visited the Housing Works Bookstore, I found a used copy of the novel and bought it. Now, I’m not usually one for reading about mothers dying, but that imagery wouldn’t leave my head. The monster was indeed calling me, too.
I read it over the course of an evening, and when, inevitably, the mom died, I found myself crying. Full on, chest heaving crying. Even though I knew it was coming! I threw the book across my bedroom and had to take a walk to calm down. It was that powerful. Inevitable, but monstrously powerful.
I believe in always reading the book before seeing the film adaptation. I teach sixth-grade English. I still haven’t gotten over the atrocity that was the adaptation of The Lightning Thief. Now, Rick Riordan doesn’t need anyone feeling sorry for him. But, still.
So, given how beautifully written the novel was, I wasn’t holding out much hope for the movie. Except. Except that the image of the monster in the film (his voice purring in Liam Neeson lilts), was what had gotten me into the predicament in the first place. So this past weekend, I finally pulled myself together enough to see the film.
Blissfully the movie was almost as good as the novel. It departed a bit from the novel, but nothing blatant, nothing Thiefesque. I enjoyed the addition at the ending, finding it completely suitable for the medium of film. The performances were also stellar.
And in the end, sitting there in the dark theater, I sobbed again. Again! I knew full well it was coming. And I cried again. No upper-class eye dabbing for me, no, full on wracking sobs. That’s writing done well.
I give both the book and the movie very high recommendations.
If you need a good cry.