A Bang On Stephen King Adaptation

Exploring Trauma Through Horror: The Monkey Movie Review

Horror has always been a powerful genre for diving into the depths of trauma, and director Osgood Perkins takes this to a whole new level in his latest film, The Monkey. Based on a Stephen King short story of the same name, The Monkey is an explosive and delightfully gory adaptation that showcases Perkins’ nuanced approach to storytelling.

One of the standout features of King’s works is the juxtaposition of dark subject matter with wholesome imagery, and Perkins expertly captures this balance in The Monkey. The film’s tone, a crucial element in horror-comedies, is flawlessly executed, thanks to Perkins’ ability to seamlessly blend humor with carnage throughout the movie’s gripping 98 minutes.

A Riveting Rollercoaster of Horror

The plot kicks off with a tense opening scene involving an airline pilot, played by Adam Scott, setting the stage for the supernatural threat posed by the malevolent toy monkey. As the story unfolds in 1990s New England, the pilot’s twin sons, Hal and Bill Shelburn, find themselves immersed in a world where life and death intertwine in unexpected ways.

While the film transitions to focus on the siblings, Perkins expertly navigates the nuances of their characters. Hal and Bill may not be the deepest characters, but Theo James breathes life into their vulnerabilities, making the audience empathize with their mission to stop the deadly monkey.

Gory Kills and Dark Humor

Central to The Monkey are its gruesome kills, accompanied by eerie music that sets the tone for each deadly encounter. Perkins opts not to delve deep into the monkey’s origins, allowing its actions to speak volumes. The graphic violence in the film is balanced with moments of genuine emotion, serving as a reminder of the human toll that death takes.

Amidst the bloodshed, The Monkey features a colorful ensemble of side characters who add to the absurdity of the narrative. From the town burnout to a stoner-coded priest, each character brings a unique voice to the story, enriching the overall experience.

The Monkey marches to the beat of its own bloodstained drum.

Perkins skillfully keeps the audience engaged with a mix of creative kills and quirky characters, making The Monkey a thrilling and darkly humorous ride from start to finish.