A Monster Calls: the basis of the story that director J.A. Bayona and screenwriter Patrick Ness are telling is deeply sad, but far from novel; the way chosen to tell it, however, makes it much more interesting. While the storytelling flounders at some moments, in general it’s a very emotional experience. The cast is much responsible for it: Lewis MacDougall is very good (and it’s not an easy role); Felicity Jones projects all the tenderness required; and the voice acting of Liam Neeson is quite beautiful, mixing threat and care in equal parts. The film uses different techniques well: the special effects are OK, but the use of (beautiful) drawings is a winning and sensible choice.