‘The Monkey’ Review: A Gripping and Gory Experience You Won’t Want to Miss

A truly compelling Stephen King adaptation resonates with audiences by evoking shock, fear, and deep reflection. Osgood Perkins’ film The Monkey delivers on all those fronts and goes above and beyond expectations.

This film can be interpreted as a plethora of intriguing, fatal scenarios; however, that simplistic view doesn’t encapsulate its essence.The Monkey delves into profound themes of familial trauma and the generational baggage we hand down to our children. With Perkins’ own notable lineage, the metaphorical drum beats even louder.

At the heart of the story are Hal (played by Theo James) and his estranged twin brother Bill (also portrayed by James).Their complicated relationship had roots long before a sinister monkey, introduced by their negligent father (Adam Scott), began wreaking havoc and claiming the lives of those they loved, including their nurturing mother Lois (Tatiana Malany) and their uncle (Perkins).

True to King’s storytelling style, Perkins expands the narrative of his short story, compelling viewers to examine their own relationships with siblings and parents. After all, the ephemeral nature of life leads us to confront unsettling questions about existence—do we pass away peacefully in our sleep, or do we meet a gruesome fate?

Many spectators may become fixated on the gruesome deaths featured in the movie. While engaging in these moments can be enjoyable, it risks overshadowing the richer themes and narratives at play. The film’s exploration of fatherhood emerges as a more captivating aspect of Perkins’ adaptation. Although the fathers depicted are fraught with flaws, their attempts at parenthood reveal layers of complexity.

As Hal navigates his tumultuous journey, his son Petey (Colin O’Brien) faces a potential transition to a new family with his stepfather (Elijah Wood) during what is supposed to be a bonding trip to a theme park. However, the excursion takes a dark turn when Aunt Ida (Sarah Levy) falls victim to a tragic accident.

Years earlier, young Bill and Hal had attempted to banish the Monkey by throwing it into a well, but its return heralds a renewed wave of chaos.

The Challenges of Fatherhood

The strong performances by Theo James as both Hal and Bill are pivotal to the film’s success. The dynamic between the brothers, characterized by Bill frequently disparaging Hal—calling him “dumb shit” —takes center stage, yet it is Hal’s struggles with parental trauma that resonate most deeply.

Their father, a pilot, experiences his own harrowing encounter with the monkey at the film’s outset. Meanwhile, Lois, their mother, embodies kindness and love but is engulfed in the challenges of single parenthood, often saying things that exacerbate the family’s issues. Yet, in the face of adversity, they find moments of joy through dance.

Lois’ most impactful moments fuel Hal’s approach to parenting Petey. His absence is motivated by a desire to protect his son rather than a lack of love, compelling him to become a better father than he ever had, despite concealing painful truths from Petey.

Creative Carnage Abounds

The Monkey beats his drum in Oz Perkins' 'The Monkey' — (NEON)

The premise surrounding the “toy”monkey (it’s crucial not to label it that) is straightforward: wind it up, and chaos ensues. Death becomes the inevitable outcome, but in a story adapted from Stephen King, that’s hardly surprising.

What does set this film apart are the imaginative and gruesome demises that unfold—think a “For Sale” sign to the face, a Mufasa-inspired scene, and, of course, the notorious frying pool incident, among others. However, akin to the kills, the underlying thematic elements remain paramount in Perkins’ interpretation.

Ultimately, The Monkey emerges as a standout horror comedy that elicits genuine emotional responses, and I openly admit it brought tears to my eyes.

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