4 YA Fantasy Drama Book to Film Adaptations to Watch
I’ve always had a passion for young adult fantasy books and drama adaption movies. I like that they touch upon real and modern day topics to educate younger viewers, while also narrating captivating story plots and making you fall in love with the characters. While books tend to be better than their movie counterparts, there are a few book to film adaptations that are truly worth watching right now. All available on CHILI right now, I highly suggest watching: A Monster Calls, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, Fallen and If I Stay.
4 YA Fantasy Drama Book to Film Adaptations to Watch Now
A MONSTER CALLS.
While piercing sadness runs through this impressive adaption by Patrick Ness of his young adult novel, A Monster Calls, you can’t help but feel for the young boy at the heart of the story. A Monster Calls follows the story of Conor, a 13-year-old boy who must come to terms with the loss of his mother. The movie is filled with emotional authenticity as it not only focuses on grief but immerses you in a grief’s journey. Throughout the movie, Conor is visited by his own monster, voiced by Liam Neeson, an ancient, pagan tree spirit who promises three stories told through watercolour-inspired animations in return for a fourth story from Conor about the truth that he is denying.
MISS PEREGRINE’S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN.
Meanwhile, Ransom Riggs’ surprise best-seller Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children was adapted into a playfully nonthreatening goth aesthetic movie directed by the one and only Tim Burton. Inspired by the author’s personal collection of vintage photographs, including a floating girl, an invisible boy and other peculiar characters, the movie centres around an eccentric mix of wartime refugees each one blessed with a bizarre ability.
After a Nazi bombing destroyed their orphanage during World War II these orphans are being kept safe by Miss Peregrine who possesses her own gift while a shape-shifting goon hunts the peculiars. The movie is a great introduction for young adults into Tim Burton’s work and persistent Halloween aesthetic. This is definitely one of the best book to film adaptation to make sure you see.
FALLEN.
Fallen is based on the first novel in the young adult fiction series by Lauren Kate. The movie capitalizes on the spirit of teenage fantasy as its 17-year-old heroine Luce tackles a new school, cliques and boys while a supernatural shadow threatens her safety and sanity. Drawing on the influence of “Twilight”, the movie focuses on boarding school angels, one of which is destined to love Luce for eternity. The magic that would secure his eternal love for Luce, however, presents a threat to her mortal life. Directed by veteran filmmaker Scott Hicks, this movie touches upon teenage angst and biblical retribution.
IF I STAY.
Known for its originality and outside the box thinking, If I Stay follows the story of 17-year-old Mia Hall who must decide whether to leave her family and boyfriend to attend Julliard or stay with them. Mia’s decision, however, becomes more complicated when she is in a car accident which kills her entire family, leaving her in a coma. The movie then follows Mia’s out-of-body experience where she must decide to live and see her boyfriend or die and be with her family. A devastating story, the movie touches upon making difficult and life or death decisions at a young age.
If you’ve seen these book to film adaptations let me know your thoughts and if you enjoyed them!
Comments
I loved Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. A Monster Calls looks a good film too.
I don’t think I’ve got round to seeing any of these yet, though A Monster Calls has been on my list for a while. Great recommendations, thank you :).