Movie Review: The Monkey

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In terms of devising unique concepts for a gory horror flick, the upcoming movie “The Monkey” offers unprecedented, chilling sequences. To begin with, the malevolent force causing all the carnage is not your typical monster; instead, it’s a toy monkey that starts playing a drum when wound up. This sinister-looking plaything boasts menacing eyes and a grin that reveals sharp, threatening teeth when activated. All these elements certainly introduce fresh ideas to horror genre enthusiasts.

In this story, we find a recurring theme of gruesome deaths such as explosions, dismemberment, decapitations, and electrocution. These deaths evoke scenes from the “Final Destination” movie series where characters who initially dodge death meet their grisly ends as if fate seeks to even the score. While these films may seem absurd and even comical to some, they have managed to attract a certain audience over time. Instead of watching these movies, it might be more insightful to explore why such violent entertainment appeals to people through a documentary.

In “The Monkey,” Theo James portrays Hal, a character with a violent twin brother. At first, the film depicts a challenging viewing experience as Hal endures constant verbal abuse from his brother, which at times feels excessive and unwarranted. Elijah Wood makes a brief appearance later in the movie, but there are no other recognizable stars in this production. Towards the end, I felt that some parts of the story were disjointed and unclear, as if the screenwriter struggled to create a satisfying conclusion. “The Monkey” was directed by Oz Perkins, who is also known for his work on the recent horror film “Long Legs.” Interestingly, Perkins collaborated with Stephen King in writing this peculiar screenplay.

1) According to Rotten Tomatoes, the film’s score is an overly generous 76%, while I personally rate it at 65%. I wouldn’t strongly advise watching this movie.

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2025-02-22 18:49