A Bloody, Darkly Hilarious Take on the Stephen King Story
Director Osgood Perkins takes a bold approach with The Monkey, a film adaptation of Stephen King’s short story that blends gruesome horror with dark humor. Starring Theo James in a dual role as twin brothers, the film follows the siblings as they uncover their late father’s eerie toy monkey—an artifact that soon sets off a series of brutal, supernatural deaths. Though they try to rid themselves of it, the cursed monkey finds its way back, leaving carnage in its wake.
While Perkins’ previous works (Longlegs, The Blackcoat’s Daughter) leaned into psychological horror, The Monkey embraces a bit of a different tone. The movie is packed with sharp comedic timing, often landing laughs into abrupt cuts of funeral scenes—of which there are plenty. The humor doesn’t take away from the horror, though; instead, it adds an unsettling layer, making the film all the more engaging.
Theo James delivers an impressive performance, portraying both estranged brothers with distinct personalities. His character’s emotional struggle—trying to protect his son from the same supernatural torment he endured—adds surprising depth to the story. Meanwhile, Tatiana Maslany shines in a standout monologue about mortality, further reinforcing the film’s themes of generational trauma.
Beyond its storytelling, The Monkey stands out with its commitment to practical effects and over-the-top, blood-soaked kills. The film doesn’t shy away from its horror roots, delivering a splatterfest reminiscent of Final Destination while maintaining an art-house aesthetic. Unlike many recent studio horror films that play it safe, The Monkey leans fully into its grotesque, chaotic energy.
Though the “killer toy” trope has been explored countless times, Perkins manages to breathe new life into it by fully embracing the absurdity of the premise. The film acknowledges its own ridiculousness but never feels lazy or uninspired. It’s a film made with care, blending horror and humor in a way that feels fresh and unpredictable.
At a tight 95-minute runtime, The Monkey doesn’t overstay its welcome, making for a fast-paced, gruesomely entertaining watch. Fans of Stephen King, dark comedy, and unapologetically gory horror will find plenty to love here.