🎬 The Monkey (2025)



Trailer provided by ONE Media via YouTube

           

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Release Date: February 21, 2025

Genre: Horror, Black Comedy, Thriller

Platform: In Theaters

Director/Writer: Osgood Perkins

Based on: Stephen King’s 1980 short story

Cast: Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, Christian Convery, Colin O’Brien, Rohan Campbell, Sarah Levy, Adam Scott, Elijah Wood





Overview



Osgood Perkins’ The Monkey (2025) is a bold and blood-soaked adaptation of Stephen King’s 1980 short story. This film blends horror, black comedy, and family drama into a unique cinematic experience. With a cursed toy monkey at its center, the narrative explores themes of generational trauma and the inescapable nature of fate.





Plot Summary



The story revolves around twin brothers Hal and Bill Shelburn, both portrayed by Theo James. Their lives are upended when a sinister toy monkey, inherited from their father, begins causing random and horrific deaths around them. As the brothers attempt to rid themselves of the cursed object, they confront buried family secrets and unresolved tensions.





Performances and Direction



Theo James delivers a compelling dual performance as Hal and Bill, capturing the nuanced differences between the twins. Tatiana Maslany shines as their overwhelmed mother, adding depth to the family dynamics.


Director Osgood Perkins infuses the film with a campier tone compared to his previous work, blending horror with moments of humor. His direction brings a unique flair to the narrative, balancing the grotesque with the absurd.





Cinematography and Editing



Cinematographer Nico Aguilar captures the film’s eerie atmosphere with a visual style that complements the story’s dark themes. Editors Graham Fortin and Greg Ng maintain a brisk pace throughout the 98-minute runtime, ensuring that the narrative remains engaging and taut.





Themes and Symbolism



The Monkey delves into themes of familial dysfunction, the burden of inheritance, and the inevitability of death. The cursed monkey serves as a metaphor for the inescapable nature of family trauma, haunting the characters across generations.





Reception



Critics have offered mixed reviews. Some praise the film’s unique blend of horror and comedy, while others critique its tonal inconsistencies. The film holds a 79% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average score of 6.7/10.





Box Office Performance



In its opening weekend, The Monkey earned $14.2 million, securing the second spot in the U.S. box office. To date, it has grossed $63.9 million worldwide, with $39.1 million from North America.





Conclusion



The Monkey is a distinctive entry in the horror genre, offering a blend of dark comedy and familial drama. While it may not resonate with all audiences, its unique approach and compelling performances make it a noteworthy adaptation of Stephen King’s work.