---
title: "A Monster Calls"
year: 2016
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/a-monster-calls-2016"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 258230
imdb_id: "tt3416532"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 108
community_rating: 7.3
vote_count: 3595
content_rating: "PG-13"
---

# A Monster Calls (2016) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/a-monster-calls-2016

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

"A Monster Calls" is a film that tells the story of a 12-year-old boy who is dealing with difficult circumstances in his life. The boy encounters an ancient tree monster who becomes a source of guidance and support for him. The film explores the challenges that the boy faces, including the impact of his mother's illness on his life. The boy is also experiencing difficulties at school, where he is being bullied. The ancient tree monster helps the boy to cope with these challenges and find a way to deal with the emotional pain he is experiencing. The film focuses on the complex emotions and relationships that are a part of the boy's life, and the ways in which he navigates these challenges with the help of the monster.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A twelve-year-old boy encounters an ancient tree monster to help him cope."

### Why Watch
- features an ancient tree monster
- explores coping with life challenges

### Caveats & Content Note
- involves a terminal illness
- deals with bullying
- Tone & Suitability: The film deals with heavy themes including terminal illness and bullying.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: fantasy, adventure, family, drama

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | None | None | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | None | Rakuten TV | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| **Australia (AU)** | Lionsgate+ Amazon Channels | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Fetch TV |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: J. A. Bayona
- **Networks / Studios**: River Road Entertainment, Participant, Apaches Films

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Lewis MacDougall** as *Conor*
- **Sigourney Weaver** as *Grandma*
- **Felicity Jones** as *Mum*
- **Toby Kebbell** as *Dad*
- **Ben Moor** as *Mr. Clark*
- **James Melville** as *Harry*
- **Oliver Steer** as *Sully*
- **Dominic Boyle** as *Anton*
- **Jennifer Lim** as *Miss Kwan*
- **Max Gabbay** as *Steven*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: When was A Monster Calls released in the US?
It was released on 12/23/2016 in the US.

### Q: What is the runtime of the film?
The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes.

### Q: What genres are associated with the film?
The film is associated with fantasy, adventure, family, and drama genres.

### Q: Who is the main character?
The main character is a 12-year-old boy named Conor.

### Q: What helps Conor cope in the story?
Conor encounters an ancient tree monster that helps him cope with his mother's terminal illness and being bullied.

---
*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*