Everybody dies. And that's fucked up.
Everybody dies. And that's fucked up.
Osgood Perkins’ adaptation of Stephen King’s short story, The Monkey, is an over-the-top descent into campy horror, filled with explosive death sequences and a menacing killer toy that earns its place alongside horror icons like Chucky and Annabelle. Leaning more toward dark comedy than terror, the film’s unhinged energy sometimes loses steam, and the storyline and characters occasionally feel flat. Nevertheless, its trippy and bloody premise provides plenty of entertainment, making for a lively screening.
When twin brothers Hal and Bill (Christian Convery) discover their father’s antique toy monkey in the attic, they unwittingly unleash a macabre chain of events. As gruesome deaths occur around them, the brothers attempt to escape the horror by parting ways and abandoning the monkey. Twenty-five years later, when the mysterious killings resume, Hal and Bill (Theo James) are forced to reunite and confront the cursed toy, determined to end its deadly reign.
Osgood Perkins’ commitment to comedy often pays off, infusing The Monkey with a playful energy that receives a positive reaction from the audience. The film opens with a bang, delivering a series of shock-value deaths reminiscent of the Final Destination franchise. However, as the bodies pile up, with little reaction from the characters, it becomes clear that the film prioritizes laughs over tension. The story’s barebones structure and one-dimensional character dynamics – particularly between Hal and his son – leave something to be desired. The mystique surrounding the monkey’s powers and motivations is similarly underdeveloped, with inconsistent abilities, like teleporting as it pleases but only being able to kill with its key wound-up. While the film’s offbeat humour often thrives on randomness, moments without the proper setup, like the cheerleader squad’s death celebrations or Bill’s Batman-style lair feel more confusing than amusing. Despite these narrative missteps, The Monkey’s comedic charm and memorably gruesome death sequences – blending practical and CGI effects – ultimately redeem the film.
Standout performances in The Monkey come from Theo James and Christian Convery, who impressively play dual roles as young and old Hal and Bill. The childhood scenes are a highlight, with Christian Convery delivering an excellent portrayal of the twin brothers, effortlessly capturing their contrasting personalities – one innocent and vulnerable, the other bratty and manipulative. Theo James is equally excellent, transforming between roles with ease. As the frantic Bill, he revels in the character’s melodramatic persona, while bringing a more subdued, sensitive approach to protagonist Hal. Unfortunately, talented actors like Tatiana Maslany, Elijah Wood, and Rohan Campbell (in a bad Ramones wig) are underutilized and don’t make as much of an impact with their limited screen time. Osgood Perkins’ small cameo as the eccentric Uncle Chip, however, provides major carnage with a wildly outrageous death scene. The monkey’s design is intimidating, with a creepy appearance that’s perfectly complemented by an unsettling drumbeat. This ominous rhythm precedes each death, adding a unique and unnerving atmosphere.
Overall, The Monkey is a blood-soaked romp that delivers style, humour, and gore. With its comedy, gnarly kills, and distinctive production design, the film is a must-see for fans of absurd, chaotic cinema. While it may not always land its punches, if you need a campy, brain-off viewing experience, The Monkey is a killer choice.
