“I have a sadness shield that keeps out all of the sadness and it’s big enough for all of us,” the boy fibs.

The furry friends anoint him leader, and Max decrees they build a fort.

The other creatures, including KW (Ambrose) and goat-like Alexander (Dano), do the lad’s bidding but Max quickly learns that harmony isn’t always possible.

Where The Wild Things Are is heartbreaking, anchored by a mesmerising lead performance from Records, whose face captures every flicker of despair and joy during Max’s extraordinary adventure.

Meanwhile, Keener and Ruffalo barely have enough screen time to register.

The creatures are brilliantly realised, using a combination of giant costumes and digital effects, while the vocal performances capture the personalities of these untameable beasts, who share many of Max’s woes.

The Wild Things teach Max the value of friendship and the consequences of bending the truth.

“I’m not a Viking, a king or anything – I’m just Max,” the boy confesses sadly.

“Well, that’s not very much is it?” replies Carol.

By the end of the film, as we choke back tears, the rotund leader realises how wrong he was.