The Monkey, directed by the curious and talented Osgood Perkins, serves us a fresh dish of horror in 2025. Pairing up with the legendary storyteller, Stephen King, they create a world that's both spine-chilling and subtly enchanting. Here in this movie review, I dive deep into the darkness that this horror flick brings and whether it stands tall in the kingdom of terror.
The plot—a jarring tale of twin brothers, Bill and Hal, who stumble upon a monkey toy that shouldn't exist. Sounds innocent? Oh, boy, hold your popcorn, because it gets bloody! As these gruesome deaths spiral once the toy surfaces, you get that classic King vibe of unavoidable fate intertwined with familial bonds. Over the years, these twins drift apart, like ships lost in a fog crafted by their own father's past sins. This movie is more than just horror; it's a stark reminder of our own dark nooks and crannies—talk about themes that haunt beyond the screen!
Acting-wise, Theo James and Tatiana Maslany beautifully unravel their roles as the twins separated by fate and fear. Their chemistry—or lack thereof—is what's so painfully believable. Props to the young talents, Christian Convery and Colin O'Brien, whose youthful energy adds a new dimension to this grim tale. And let's not overlook Elijah Wood, who seems to pop up in the most delightfully unexpected of places these days, bringing just the quirkiest touch to the film. The cinematography captures both claustrophobic horror and sweeping desolate beauty—a grim ballet of shadows that only Perkins can orchestrate. The screenplay, as you'd expect from a King collaboration, grips with icy claws and won't let go until those credits roll!
Now, how does The Monkey stack up against its other horror peers? If you’re a fan of The Conjuring series, you might feel right at home—but with a touch more existential dread. It has echoes of Hereditary with its family trauma narrative but wraps it in its own unique, creepy, toy monkey package. One might say it doesn’t pack the same punch as classics like The Shining (another King masterpiece), yet it carves out its niche with a refined sort of dread that sticks with you, like gum under a theater seat.
So, is The Monkey a must-watch? If you're a sucker for richly woven tales of terror and enjoy a good cinema analysis, then absolutely! Fans of horror films and dark mysteries will find themselves deliciously unnerved. Or, if you’re someone like me who occasionally laughs at the absurdity of once-scary dolls and toys (Chucky, anyone?), you'll appreciate its darkly comedic undertones. If you love pull-the-blanket-up-to-your-eyes stories, this one's your flick! Go on, challenge yourself by diving into Perkins' macabre playground.