Demonic Monkey Unleashes Gory Chaos in Hilarious New Splatter Comedy

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In the past year, the movie “Longlegs” ignited the horror genre with its unique blend of dark and eerie portrayal of Satanism and serial killers. Notably, it featured a striking appearance by Nicolas Cage that never fails to draw attention. Osgood Perkins, the writer-director, is known for creating three understated, atmospheric horror films that not everyone appreciates due to their emphasis on mood over action. Now, Perkins demonstrates his versatility by delving into excessive gore with his adaptation of Stephen King’s short story titled “The Monkey”.

In essence, Perkins’ “The Monkey” is either going to appeal to you or not. You’ll quickly decide if the idea of a menacing, demonic monkey causing gruesome deaths for comedic purposes tickles your fancy, then you’re in for a treat. If it doesn’t, you probably won’t enjoy it. The movie delves into themes such as the fear of potential futures overshadowing the present and how childhood traumas can lead to adult phobias and resentment. However, at its core, it’s a hilarious film about excessive physical violence.

The narrative unfolds around two adult siblings, Bill and Hal, portrayed by Theo James and Christian Convery respectively in their younger years. As children, Hal is sensitive, often victimized by peers, whereas Bill is less intelligent, aggressive, and somewhat rude. They reside with their mother Lois, played by Tatiana Maslany, who maintains a positive yet realistic outlook on life’s inherent injustices. One fateful night, the boys stumble upon a sizeable, rather unattractive wind-up monkey drummer among their estranged father’s belongings. After setting it in motion, their babysitter experiences an unfortunate demise. Initially, only Hal appears to discern a pattern between the events.

The story shifts between flashbacks and current events, with grown-up Hal serving as the narrator. His solitary lifestyle has reached extraordinary isolation, severing all ties with his family due to a fear that the monkey, which was believed eliminated years ago, might resurface. Guess what? It does, at the most inconvenient moment possible. Here’s the twist: Hal is embarking on a week-long journey with his distant son Petey (Colin O’Brien). Their relationship isn’t great to begin with, and things only worsen as they uncover the gruesome discoveries of bodies while Hal chases after the monkey, trying to prevent it from causing more harm.

The Monkey” and “Longlegs” share a similar visual style, but their settings range from drab and desolate during the day to pitch-black at night with an eerie ’70s aesthetic. The director’s fingerprints are evident on both movies. However, the way they handle their material is quite distinct. I would categorize “The Monkey” as a “Splatter Comedy” instead of a “Horror Comedy.” Although it has some genuinely scary moments and the monkey’s appearance is terrifying, its main objective isn’t to scare you. The deaths occur quickly, loudly, and explosively. Sometimes, there’s no build-up, with the bloodshed happening so suddenly that it barely registers before it happens.

During my preview showing, a woman exited near the halfway mark. It’s either you appreciate gore or not. However, departing early seems to overlook the film’s main message. Similar to Lois, Perkins appears to lean towards the optimistic nihilist. There’s no point in being overly attached, but also no reason to be frightened, angry, or sad. The tagline encapsulates this perfectly. “Everyone dies and that’s messed up.” I couldn’t have said it better myself, movie! In many aspects, the film offers a guide for understanding death, which you can explore yourself.

In the movie, Theo James delivers an outstanding performance. His portrayal of Hal is dry and sharp, playing a character who values his well-being above enduring the curse. On the other hand, as Bill, he becomes more exaggerated but remains exceptional, embodying a character who seems to have hit his peak at age 12 and has been angry ever since. Tatiana Maslany is hilarious in her dual roles, portraying both realistic and optimistic mothers of disgusting boys. Other notable actors like Elijah Wood, Sarah Levy, Adam Scott, and Perkins himself all shine brightly in their brief appearances with a touch of the absurd.

I found “The Monkey” incredibly entertaining and it fulfilled my expectations. However, it does have its flaws. For instance, certain crucial aspects involving Hal and Petey could’ve been developed more deeply as they seemed to be brushed over too hastily. Developing the character of Hal, who is already challenging to like in most situations, could’ve benefited from a bit more nuanced portrayal, especially considering the movie’s generally straightforward approach. But remember, this isn’t like “Longlegs” – it’s a comedy that revolves around gruesome, violent deaths. If you find such themes amusing, then you’re likely to appreciate it just as much.

The Monkey hits theaters Friday, Feb 21, 2025.

⭐ (4 of 5)

Kyle Anderson serves as the Senior Editor at TopMob, where he’s also the host of the weekly podcast “Laser Focus,” which delves into the world of pop culture. His movie and TV reviews can be found here, and you can keep up with him on Letterboxd.

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2025-02-18 17:03