A tree with a very particular set of branches, the Liam Neeson-voiced yew in A Monster Calls is a wonder of CG in this new trailer for Juan Antonio Bayona’s dark fantasy. No huntsman is chopping this fella down any time soon. Click below to soak it all up.
Bayona’s first since The Impossible has spooky echoes of Pan’s Labyrinth as its young protagonist Conor (newcomer Lewis MacDougall) takes refuge from the pain of the real world – including bullies at school and a terminally-ill mum (Felicity Jones) - in a realm inhabited by beasties, big and small. His fairy-tale life involves courage, loss and faith and helps him handle his troubled existence. It's all based on Patrick Ness' book, adapted by the writer himself.
Kids in peril have become something of a stock-in-trade for Bayona, who cut his teeth with The Orphanage and the terrific 2012 tsunami drama. Expect this one to delve deeper into creepy English folklore, grief and the growing pains of school. The startling mix of live action and VFX work on display looks like matching The Impossible's visuals - a high bar by any standards.
Starring alongside Neeson, Jones and MacDougall are Toby Kebbell, Geraldine Chaplin and Sigourney Weaver. Expect to see A Monster Calls later this next year. Watch the film's first trailer here.