Few filmmakers in modern horror possess Osgood Perkins’ ability to intertwine psychological dread with unsettling visual storytelling. The Monkey, his latest venture, proves that his flair for the eerie extends beyond pure terror and into the realm of dark comedy. Adapted from Stephen King’s 1980 short story, the film is a blood-spattered horror-comedy hybrid that revels in absurdity while delivering moments of genuine unease.
A Sinister Premise with a Twisted Sense of Humor
At the heart of The Monkey are twin brothers Hal and Bill Shelburn, played by Christian Convery in their younger years and Theo James in adulthood. Their lives are forever altered when they unearth a wind-up toy monkey among their late father’s belongings. What appears to be a harmless relic quickly turns into a harbinger of death—each time the monkey’s cymbals clash, someone meets a gruesome end. After attempting to dispose of the cursed toy as children, Hal and Bill find themselves haunted by its return decades later. Hal, now estranged from his brother, must confront the horrors of his past while protecting his son Petey (Colin O’Brien) from the relentless cycle of carnage.
The film’s premise is inherently eerie, yet Perkins chooses to inject an anarchic sense of humor into the narrative. The result is a film that balances grotesque set pieces with moments of outright absurdity. It’s a tonal gamble, one that mostly works, thanks to Perkins’ tight direction and a script that embraces both the macabre and the ridiculous.
A Gory Spectacle with Playful Execution
The Monkey is not for the faint of heart. The kills are frequent, inventive, and drenched in over-the-top gore. Shotgun blasts, electrocutions, harpoon mishaps, and even a nightmarish stampede of wild horses ensure that audiences are kept on their toes. Editors Graham Fortin and Greg Ng (who also cut Perkins’ Longlegs) orchestrate these deaths with a precision that maximizes both shock value and comedic timing.
This gleeful violence is reminiscent of early Peter Jackson horror-comedies (Braindead, Bad Taste) and the Rube Goldberg-esque death sequences of Final Destination. The juxtaposition of splatstick humor with high-stakes horror makes for an unpredictable viewing experience. However, not every comedic element lands perfectly—some of the offbeat humor, including a surreal sequence featuring a cheerleading squad celebrating a coroner’s grim task, teeters on the edge of self-indulgence.
The Emotional Core: Trauma and Family Bonds
Beneath the carnage, The Monkey explores themes of grief, trauma, and fractured family ties. Theo James delivers a compelling dual performance as both Hal and Bill, though Bill’s character is somewhat underdeveloped. Their relationship is fraught with tension, yet the film never fully unpacks the complexities of their dynamic. This lack of depth in character exploration is one of the film’s weaker points, leaving certain emotional beats feeling superficial.
Tatiana Maslany shines as Lois, the brothers’ mother, bringing warmth and charisma to her role. Her presence anchors the story, making her inevitable demise all the more impactful. The film also subtly comments on the inevitability of death—playing with the idea that no matter how hard one tries to control fate, the monkey’s infernal drumbeat remains relentless.
A Unique but Flawed Horror Experience
While The Monkey is undoubtedly entertaining, it struggles to maintain a consistent balance between horror and comedy. Perkins, known for his slow-burn psychological horror in The Blackcoat’s Daughter and Longlegs, doesn’t fully embrace the chaotic energy that the film’s premise promises. At times, the movie feels like it’s holding back, hesitating between embracing its absurdity and delivering a more grounded horror experience.
Additionally, the film’s lore is kept intentionally vague. Unlike other King adaptations that delve into the origins of their supernatural entities, The Monkey offers little explanation for the toy’s malevolent nature. While this ambiguity adds to its mystique, it may leave some viewers craving more depth.
Final Verdict: A Chaotic, Blood-Soaked Delight
Despite its uneven tone and missed opportunities for deeper character exploration, The Monkey is a wickedly entertaining horror film. Perkins’ ability to craft striking imagery, combined with the film’s gleefully grotesque kills and morbid humor, makes it a unique entry in modern horror cinema. It may not reach the terrifying heights of Longlegs, but as a macabre, blood-drenched spectacle, it succeeds in keeping audiences engaged.
For those who enjoy their horror with a side of absurdity, The Monkey delivers a wild ride worth taking. Just don’t expect it to take itself too seriously—because it certainly doesn’t.