Revealing the Rotten Tomatoes Score for The Monkey

Overview of The Monkey

Inspired by a short story from Stephen King, *The Monkey* is garnering attention for its compelling horror elements and graphic scenes.
Resonant comparisons have emerged with classics such as *Final Destination* and *Gremlins*, enhancing the film’s appeal.
Stephen King himself has publicly endorsed *The Monkey*, hinting at a distinctive cinematic experience.

Set to debut in theaters soon, The Monkey represents yet another intriguing adaptation of Stephen King’s work. Early reviews from critics who attended previews indicate that the film is poised for success, as reflected in an encouraging Rotten Tomatoes score.

Under the direction of Osgood Perkins—known for his unsettling 2024 film *Longlegs*—*The Monkey* explores the relationship between twin brothers haunted by a cursed toy. The film features a talented cast, including Theo James, Elijah Wood, Tatiana Maslany, and Adam Scott, who collectively bring this chilling story to life.

Initial Reviews for The Monkey

Though *The Monkey* is set to be released in late February, early indicators suggest it could capture audience interest. It premiered on Rotten Tomatoes with an impressive score of 91%, which has recently adjusted to 90%, based on 20 reviews—a promising start for one of the most anticipated horror films of 2025. Praise has been directed towards its mix of dark humor and striking gore, with critics lauding it as Perkins’ most entertaining work to date.

The first reviews are in for #TheMonkey – currently it’s Fresh at 91% on the Tomatometer, with 11 reviews: https://t.co/fpoMtEoSkY pic.twitter.com/jQVZXDuPna — Rotten Tomatoes (@RottenTomatoes) February 3, 2025

Reviewers from various platforms have expressed intriguing insights regarding *The Monkey*.According to Discussing Film, the movie embodies a darkly comedic tone that Perkins has not previously explored. In *Total Film*, Amy West remarked that the film encapsulates “all things, all at once. Just like life.”Similarly, Collider‘s Emma Kiely highlighted Perkins’ unique ability to maneuver between humor, suspense, and the raw gore that has been absent from mainstream horror lately. Noteworthy references to *Final Destination* and *Gremlins* emerged in several reviews, providing viewers with a glimpse into the film’s thematic echoes.

Although *The Monkey* has received predominantly favorable reviews, it does have some critiques on Rotten Tomatoes. Two reviews have rated the film unfavorably, with Inverse describing it as “neither funny nor bitter enough to leave a lasting impression.”Jeff Nelson from Guy at the Movies supported this view, noting that it struggles to surpass its repetitive tone. Despite these critiques, the overall initial reception remains promising for this Stephen King adaptation.

Stephen King’s Approval of The Monkey

In an encouraging endorsement, Stephen King assured audiences of an entertaining experience, stating on Threads that “You’ve never seen anything like The Monkey.” Such praise from the legendary author is significant, especially considering that not all adaptations of his works have resonated with audiences. The author’s stamp of approval may elevate expectations as fans await the film’s release.

The Monkey is scheduled to hit US theaters on February 21.

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