This Underrated Movie Is One Of Liam Neeson’s Best (& He’s Barely Even in It)

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As a devoted cinephile, I’ve always been astounded by Liam Neeson’s versatility as an actor across the years. Whether it’s his hilarious comedic roles, like the latest “The Naked Gun,” or his profoundly moving performances in serious dramas such as “Schindler’s List,” Neeson has consistently demonstrated an extraordinary ability to convey a vast array of emotions across various genres. His vocal talents are equally impressive. In films like “The LEGO Movie,” where he carried not one, but two roles with his powerful and resonant voice, he brought life to one of the most multi-dimensional characters in the movie. However, his finest vocal performance, one that remains relatively obscure, can be found in a film that not many have had the chance to see.

In a more casual and accessible style,

“A Monster Calls” is a captivating portrayal of death, featuring an outstanding voice performance by Liam Neeson. This film masterfully combines fantasy and drama elements to deliver a deeply emotional experience that stands among Neeson’s finest performances.

A Monster Calls Feels Like a Live-Action Studio Ghibli Movie

A Monster Calls, starring Lewis MacDougall as Conor, portrays a young boy struggling with his mother’s impending death and difficult living arrangements with his grandmother. As he forms an unlikely friendship with a colossal tree monster, this entity imparts valuable lessons about honesty, bravery, and faith through three separate tales. Although the movie’s narrative and themes are deeply moving and intricate, its visuals draw inspiration from fantasy, featuring monstrous beings in nearly every scene. The film evokes the atmosphere of a live-action Studio Ghibli production, as it seamlessly blends elements of magical creatures with relatable adult themes, creating a unique cinematic experience that pays homage to Hayao Miyazaki’s masterpieces while maintaining its own distinctive style.

The movie, particularly noteworthy for its emotional impact during the 2010s, owes much of its success to the performances. Lewis MacDougall delivers a striking portrayal as Conor, embodying both his innate melancholy and youthful spirit, creating a character that resonates deeply with audiences. Liam Neeson’s performance as the monster is nothing short of remarkable. His voice exudes an aura of intimidation for his character initially, but as the story unfolds, it transforms into a soothing tone, reflecting the protagonist’s growing comfort with the character. Few actors can convincingly portray a character that is both fearsome and loving, but Neeson skillfully accomplishes this feat in a way that is truly captivating.

The movie might unfold predictably, but the trip is absolutely worth taking. Watching Conor discover life’s lessons offers a deeply moving experience for both the characters and the audience. The Monster’s tales effectively invite viewers to step into the characters’ lives. From the intricacies of human nature to the terrors life presents, each story does an impressive job of offering insight through Patrick Ness’s brilliant dialogue and J.A. Bayona’s powerful direction.

J.A. Bayona Is an Extremely Underrated Director

In a fresh and engaging manner, J.A. Bayona imbues “A Monster Calls” with a sense of vitality. From the intricate staging of actors to the emotionally resonant atmosphere, Bayona constructs a film that is likely to evoke tears from viewers by the finale. Though it tells a compact story, Bayona infuses the movie with an epic grandeur. From the expansive cinematography to the extensive application of visual effects, he elevates a straightforward family drama to the level of a blockbuster like a Marvel film. With “A Monster Calls”, Bayona not only demonstrates his underestimated talent, but also establishes himself as one of the top-tier directors currently active in the industry.

Bayona’s body of work, spanning various genres, underscores his versatility as a director. From chilling horror like “The Orphanage” to gripping true-life thrillers such as “Society of the Snow” and The Impossible, he consistently proves his knack for creating compelling films across different categories. Even in films that didn’t receive widespread acclaim, like Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Bayona’s direction stands out as a highlight, reintroducing horror elements to the Jurassic Park series in an unprecedented manner. Despite previous Oscar nods for his work, J.A. Bayona often doesn’t receive the recognition he deserves among today’s top directors.

Although boasting a remarkable collection of films, “A Monster Calls” remains Bayona’s most impressive work, with Liam Neeson delivering a stellar performance. This film combines various genres masterfully and tells a deeply moving story about life, loss, and resilience. It excels in all aspects a movie should while highlighting Bayona’s exceptional directing style. Although it didn’t rake in large box office numbers, its powerful narrative and emotional performances ensure that it leaves a lasting impression on the audience.

A Monster Calls is available to rent or buy on PVOD.

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2025-08-12 01:13