10-year-old Nelly Rapp (Matilda Gross) goes to see her uncle Hannibal (Johan Rheborg) who lives together with his maid (Marianne Mörck) in a crumbling old castle; she doesn’t know about their work for the Monster Academy.

This adaptation of the popular children’s books happily flirts with classic monsters like werewolves and vampires, but in a way that won’t terrify a young audience. We’re served thrills with a lot of heart; the value of friendship is a prominent theme.

A cozy autumnal adventure, with a fun supporting role for Björn Gustafsson as a false prophet for the Monster Academy, all toothy smiles and PR focus.

2020-Sweden. 92 min. Color. Widescreen. Directed by Amanda Adolfsson. Books: Martin Widmark, Christina Alvner. Cast: Matilda Gross (Nelly Rapp), Johan Rheborg (Hannibal), Marianne Mörck (Lena-Sleva), Björn Gustafsson, Lily Wahlsteen, Jens Ohlin, Amy Deasismont. 

Trivia: Original title: Nelly Rapp – monsteragent. Followed by Nelly Rapp: The Secret of the Black Forest (2023).