The first of which was Jackie starring Natalie Portman as Jackie Kennedy during the time of her husband's assassination. Beautiful cinematography is only overshadowed by Portman's performance. Its as if she stole Jackie's soul, breathiness of voice but smart and strategic. This was an important film for an important time.
But that is not the one you need to see this Christmas.
Tonight, my husband was able to join me in a preview screening of A Monster Calls. I will not be divulging any information regarding the plot, though the trailer is very good at letting one know exactly what to expect.
There was no viewing of this film for me, only experiencing it. The summary of the story is that a middle-school aged boy is dealing with his mother having cancer by befriending a giant tree guy. The trailer rests below.
If you know me, the year I've had or, rather, the years that I have had, you can guess it hasn't been easy. I'm not here to explain away any choices I've made or haven't or to seek sympathy. All I ask is that you view this film to gain a true understanding of those in your life who may be hurting.
Though not all of the story is personally applicable , the guilt, anger, fear, and betrayal Conor experiences are. There was not a moment this film didn't stir my soul or guide it into the place it needed to be. Was it enjoyable? Healing isn't always enjoyable and neither was this film. A Monster Calls and healing are not mutually exclusive.
Don't get me wrong--director Juan Antonio Bayona makes a gorgeous picture. There are scenes of watercolors, dreams, and nightmares, all of which are memorable and visually striking. Lewis MacDougall plays Conor, the young protagonist, and gives the best performance one could ask from any professional actor. I hope he's around for years to come.
Never have I experienced something, a motion picture or painting or literature, calm my soul all the while prodding it to deal with all the clutter left inside. Movies connect more deeply than many other forces in the way they can subvert your expectations and force you to address your own sins or suffering scattered across the silver screen.
This movie is not for children and has a PG-13 rating for a reason. Just because a child is the star and its about his life doesn't mean its suitable for little people.
There is much more I want to say about this film, and will do so in another post that is chock to the brim with spoilers and scene analyses. But for now, I will let my heart finish its response and my tears dry.
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