A Monster Calls

This awkward combination of CGI fantasy spectacle and indie therapy drama was adapted by Patrick Ness from his own award-winning young adult novel, and directed by J.A. Bayona, who previously merged special effects and tragedy in The Impossible. Ferocious young actor Lewis MacDougall plays Conor, a boy filled with terror and rage at the impending death of his terminally ill mother (Felicity Jones), plagued with nightmares and unable to deal with bullies at school and an imperious grandmother (Sigourney Weaver) at home. One night, an ancient yew tree near the house comes to life, taking a monstrous humanoid form and informing Conor that he will visit him several times in the coming weeks to deliver healing parables relevant to his life. Ancient trees, am I right? You just never know. Liam Neeson provides the voice of the monster, because otherwise the fabric of the universe would rip to shreds. D.B.