The Monkey

"The Monkey," released on February 21, 2025, is a darkly comedic horror film directed by Osgood "Oz" Perkins. Adapted from Stephen King's 1980 short story, the film explores the macabre consequences of a cursed toy monkey that brings death to those around it. With a talented ensemble cast led by Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, and Elijah Wood, "The Monkey" offers a unique blend of horror and humor that has both intrigued and divided audiences and critics alike.

Plot Summary

The narrative centers on twin brothers Hal and Bill Shelburn, portrayed by Theo James, who discover a sinister toy monkey in their childhood home. This seemingly innocuous object harbors a deadly curse: each time its mechanism is wound, a tragic and often gruesome death occurs nearby. The brothers' initial curiosity turns to horror as they witness the monkey's lethal influence, leading to the untimely demise of their babysitter and even their own mother, Lois Shelburn, played by Tatiana Maslany. In a desperate attempt to rid themselves of the curse, they dispose of the monkey, only to have it resurface 25 years later, threatening their families anew. Hal's teenage son, Petey, portrayed by Colin O'Brien, becomes entangled in the ensuing chaos as the family confronts the malevolent force once more.

Production Background

The journey to bring "The Monkey" to the screen has been lengthy. Initially, filmmaker Frank Darabont held the rights to adapt King's short story but did not proceed with the project. Years later, Osgood Perkins took on the challenge, both writing and directing the adaptation. Filming commenced in Vancouver from February 5 to March 22, 2024, with Perkins opting to replace the monkey's cymbals with a drum, due to concerns over potential copyright issues with a similar toy featured in "Toy Story 3." This creative decision also aligned with Perkins' vision to infuse the film with a playful yet horrifying tone, distinguishing it from more traditional possessed-toy horror narratives.
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Directorial Vision and Themes

Perkins, known for his work in the horror genre, approached "The Monkey" with a distinctive blend of dark comedy and horror. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences of loss and grief, he crafted a narrative that delves into the randomness and inevitability of death. The film's tone oscillates between absurdity and horror, reminiscent of classics like "Death Becomes Her" and "An American Werewolf in London." Perkins' personal history, including the tragic loss of his parents—his father, actor Anthony Perkins, to AIDS-related pneumonia, and his mother, Berry Berenson, in the 9/11 attacks—deeply influenced his storytelling, infusing the film with themes of familial bonds and the haunting nature of unresolved trauma.
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Cast Performances

Theo James delivers a compelling performance in the dual roles of Hal and Bill Shelburn, capturing the nuanced dynamics of sibling relationships strained by supernatural forces. Tatiana Maslany portrays Lois Shelburn with a blend of maternal warmth and underlying tension, while Colin O'Brien brings authenticity to the role of Petey, effectively conveying teenage curiosity and fear. The supporting cast, including Elijah Wood as Ted Hammerman and Sarah Levy as Aunt Ida, adds depth to the narrative, each character grappling with the escalating horrors orchestrated by the cursed monkey.
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Critical Reception

"The Monkey" has elicited mixed reactions from critics. Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com awarded the film three out of four stars, praising Perkins' confident direction and the film's striking imagery. Tallerico noted that Perkins "keeps upping the ante on his film’s comedic brand of insanity," delivering inventive and gruesome death sequences that underscore the film's dark humor.
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Conversely, some critics have found fault with the film's tonal shifts. A review from the San Francisco Chronicle described the horror elements as "over-the-top" and bordering on self-parody, criticizing the film's oscillation between dark humor and emotional detachment, which made it challenging to empathize with the characters.
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Box Office Performance

Upon its release, "The Monkey" debuted to $14 million, securing the second spot at the box office behind "Captain America: Brave New World." In its second weekend, the film earned an additional $6.3 million, bringing its domestic total to $24.6 million. While these numbers indicate a modest performance, they reflect a steady interest in the film, particularly given the competitive landscape of the horror genre.
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Audience Reactions

Audience responses have been varied. CinemaScore reports an average grade of "C+," indicating a lukewarm reception from general viewers. PostTrak surveys reveal an average rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars, with 49% of respondents expressing a willingness to recommend the film. These mixed reactions suggest that while some viewers appreciate the film's unique blend of horror and comedy, others find the tonal shifts and narrative execution less satisfying.
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Conclusion

"The Monkey" stands as a testament to Osgood Perkins' willingness to explore unconventional storytelling within the horror genre. By infusing Stephen King's chilling narrative with dark humor and personal thematic elements, Perkins offers audiences a film that challenges traditional horror conventions. While reactions have been mixed, "The Monkey" provides a thought-provoking cinematic experience that delves into the absurdity and inevitability of death, all through the lens of a cursed child's toy.

Disclaimer
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