THE MONKEY – “A delightfully diabolical horror/comedy gorefest”
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RATING
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DIRECTOR
Directed by: Osgood Perkins
MAIN CAST
• Theo James as Hal and Bill Shelburn
• Christian Convery as young Hal and Bill
• Tatiana Maslany as Lois Shelburn
• Elijah Wood as Ted Hammerman
• Colin O'Brien as Petey
• Rohan Campbell as Ricky
• Sarah Levy as Ida
• Adam Scott as Capt. Petey Shelburn
• Oz Perkins as Chip
SYNOPSIS
It is based on the 1980 short story by Stephen King.
After stumbling upon their father's vintage toy monkey in the attic, twin brothers Hal and Bill witness a string of horrifying deaths unfolding around them. In an attempt to leave the haunting behind, the brothers discard the monkey. However, when the inexplicable deaths resurface, the brothers are compelled to reconcile and embark on a mission to permanently eliminate it.
REVIEW SUMMARY
Good news horror fans, Osgood Perkins’ The Monkey is a delightfully diabolical horror/comedy gorefest! Yes, this is one of those rare films where finishing your popcorn and snacks before the movie even starts might actually be a good thing - because once it gets going, you probably won’t have much of an appetite. But while the film leans heavily into gross-out shock value, it’s admittedly light on true scares. That’s because its primary focus is on delivering dark humor and twisted comedy. And, well, in that regard, it absolutely succeeds. But don’t be mistaken, the film’s over-the-top story is deeply unsettling. It just doesn’t quite reach the nightmare-inducing heights of Perkins’ previous film, Longlegs. Still, his distinct directorial style shines through, with clever camera work and sharp, effective editing. So, on a technical level, it’s undeniably well-crafted. The movie also boasts a strong cast, led by Theo James in dual roles. He effortlessly distinguishes his two characters, aided by young Christian Convery, who brings them to life in the film’s early scenes. And while it may seem like just a blood-soaked tale about a cursed toy monkey on a killing spree, there’s much more beneath the surface. At its core, the film explores themes of family, love, loss, and the cruelty of the world. It even echoes those Final Destination flicks in many ways. But don’t worry, it carves out its own unique identity. Ultimately, The Monkey is a wild, gory, and thoroughly entertaining ride—so long as you’re willing to embrace its twisted nature.
BOX OFFICE TOP 5
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7.5
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