A Monster's Calling is a humorous animated film about the nature of personal anxieties, and body image. An "under-the-bed" monster wanders through a slumbering household, wreaking typical monster havoc. First a little girl, then an older brother, and finally the teenaged big sister. It's surprising, to both the monster and to us, what frightens each of them. A film without words.
Ages 10 to 15
Diversity - Identity
Health/Personal Development - Mental Health/Stress/Suicide
Media Education - Body Image
Perhaps what is truly frightening for young people are the unrealistic expectations they must live with. Have students explore what scares the monster. Why is he bothered by the children's dreams? What does he find frightening? Is it possible that something can be frightening and we not even realize it? Students can discuss some of the unrealistic expectations in their lives. Is feeling stressed and anxious a little bit like living a kind of nightmare?