THE MONKEY – “A delightfully diabolical horror/comedy gorefest”

monkey

RATING

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.

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