Osgood Perkins is back with a new horror film, The Monkey. This movie is based on a short story by Stephen King. If you liked Perkins’ last film, Longlegs, you might want to check this one out. It tells the story of twin brothers who find a strange wind-up monkey. This toy brings a lot of trouble, leading to many outrageous deaths. Let’s dive into the details!
The Plot Unfolds
The movie starts with twin brothers who discover a wind-up monkey in their father’s belongings. They wind it up, and chaos begins. People around them start dying in gruesome ways. The brothers try to get rid of the monkey, but it seems impossible. Fast forward 25 years, and the monkey is back, causing more deaths. The brothers must face their past and the cursed toy once again.
The Cast
This film features a talented cast, including Theo James as one of the twin brothers and Tatiana Maslany as their mother. There are also brief appearances by Elijah Wood and Sarah Levy. Each actor brings their unique flair to the roles, making the story even more engaging.
Expectations vs. Reality
If you are looking for a scary horror movie like Longlegs or The Black Coat’s Daughter, you might be disappointed. This film is not just horror; it’s a dark comedy with lots of gory moments. It has quirky humor mixed in with the horror elements. Be ready to laugh as much as you jump!
Humor and Horror Combined
One of the film’s strengths is its humor. The quick, witty dialogue keeps things light, even when the deaths are brutal. It’s a strange mix that works well. The absurdity of the situation leads to some laugh-out-loud moments. The characters embrace the chaos, adding to the fun.
The Characters’ Journey
The main character, played by Theo James, serves as a narrator. He shares his feelings of distrust and fear, which adds depth to the story. The relationship between the brothers is complicated. They face their family’s dark past while dealing with the monkey’s curse. The film explores themes of estrangement and the struggles of family dynamics.
Timeline Twists
The story jumps between two timelines: the late 1990s and the present day. We see the brothers as kids and then as adults. This back-and-forth helps to build the tension and keeps the audience engaged. The adult characters have their own issues to deal with, making the story richer.
The Creepy Wind-Up Monkey
The monkey itself is a character. It’s designed to look unsettling, making it the perfect embodiment of horror. The creepy movements of the toy add to the film’s eerie atmosphere. There’s a moment when the monkey drums, and it syncs with electrical disturbances, which is both chilling and fascinating.
Creative Kills
The film features many creative and unexpected deaths. Some of them are reminiscent of the Final Destination series, where characters meet their fate in surprising ways. While the deaths are gruesome, they are also inventive, keeping the audience on their toes.
Mixed Feelings on Storytelling
While the kills are entertaining, the storytelling sometimes feels uneven. The film lacks tension in some parts, making it hard to feel fully invested in the characters’ safety. There are moments meant to be dramatic, but they often come off as cold rather than engaging. The pacing can also be a little off, which may leave some viewers wanting more.
The Absurdity of Death
The film does a great job of balancing humor with the horror of death. It shows how absurd life can be, especially when faced with something as bizarre as a cursed toy. The dialogue often reflects this absurdity, making the film both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Final Thoughts
The Monkey is a unique blend of dark comedy and horror. It offers laughs, gore, and a twisted storyline that keeps you engaged. While it may not deliver the scares you expect, it provides a fun experience. Just remember, it’s not like Perkins’ previous films, so keep your expectations in check.
My Rating
I give The Monkey three and a half out of five catches. It’s a fun movie that can be really enjoyable if you go in with the right mindset. Just don’t expect it to be similar to Longlegs or The Black Coat’s Daughter.
Trending FAQs
Is The Monkey suitable for kids?
No, it contains a lot of gory violence and profanity.
What is the main theme of The Monkey?
The film explores family dynamics and the absurdity of death.
Are there any notable performances?
Theo James and Tatiana Maslany deliver strong performances that add depth to the story.
How does The Monkey compare to Stephen King’s other adaptations?
It offers a mix of dark humor and horror, setting it apart from more straightforward adaptations.
When is The Monkey released?
The Monkey is set to release on February 21st.
What do you think? Are there any gory or brutal dark comedies you’ve seen lately that are worth recommending? Share your thoughts in the comments below!