A new A Monster Calls trailer has found its way online. The film is based on the award-winning children’s novel and follows 12-year-old Conor (Lewis MacDougall) as he “attempts to deal with his mother’s (Felicity Jones) illness and the bullying of his classmates by escaping into a fantastical world of monsters and fairy tales that explore courage, loss, and faith.”

From a visual standpoint, the movie looks utterly fantastic.  Director J.A. Bayona looks like he's crafted something unique and thrilling, but with a big, beating, emotional heart underneath.  In some ways, it looks like a darker version of The BFG, and definitely seems to be a relative of Where The Wild Things Are, where it's okay for young people to feel and express emotions like anger and sadness when faced with tragedy.  While the film is scheduled to debut in October, I wouldn't be surprised if it popped up on the festival circuit before then.

Check out the new A Monster Calls trailer below. The film opens October 21st, and also stars Sigourney Weaver and Toby Kebbell.

Here’s the official synopsis:

A visually spectacular drama from acclaimed director Juan Antonio Bayona (“The Impossible”), based on the award-winning children’s fantasy novel. 12-year-old Conor (Lewis MacDougall) attempts to deal with his mother’s (Felicity Jones) illness and the bullying of his classmates by escaping into a fantastical world of monsters and fairy tales that explore courage, loss, and faith.

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