The Monkey (Perkins, 2025)

 The Monkey: A Wild, Bloody Rollercoaster of Chaos!

Written by Mariane Tremblay

I had a blast watching The Monkey on the big screen! This film truly has it all—visually stunning, hilarious, and ridiculously silly, with just the right amount of blood and gore. It perfectly blends dark humor with shocking moments of violence, creating a thrilling and entertaining experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Based on Stephen King's 1980 short story, The Monkey follows twin brothers Hal and Bill (Theo James), who are haunted by a cursed wind-up toy monkey discovered in their father’s belongings. The toy triggers a series of deadly accidents, leading to family tragedies and strained relationships. As they grow older, the brothers struggle to escape its evil influence, only for the toy to resurface and cause even more chaos. With death and destruction looming, Hal must confront his past and the terrifying power of the monkey, while trying to protect his son (Colin O’Brien) from its deadly grip.

After watching The Monkey, I’ve come to realize that Osgood Perkins might be a stronger director than a writer. Following Longlegs (2024), I wasn’t totally sold on his work—while the visuals and direction were impressive, the screenplay felt a bit flat and confusing, leaving me very unsatisfied. Because of that, I went into The Monkey with (very) low expectations, fully prepared to be disappointed again.

To my surprise, The Monkey turned out to be a fun and wild ride. While Perkins is still credited as the writer, it’s clear that he benefits from the solid foundation Stephen King laid in his original short story. The film’s eerie vibes, dark undertones, and the growing sense of dread drive the story forward, and Perkins’ direction perfectly captures the tone of a Final Destination-like film, where you know something bad is coming, but you can't predict when or how. The toy monkey, which at first appears to be just a strange object, soon becomes a symbol of doom and Perkins skillfully creates tension around it. Though his writing still carries some of the same traits from his earlier work, King’s source material helps elevate it, making for a more enjoyable and engaging experience.

Theo James is a standout, absolutely nailing the dual role of twin brothers Hal and Bill. By the end of the film, it genuinely feels like two separate actors at work. Hal, the quiet and sensitive one, contrasts perfectly with Bill’s more ruthless, volatile nature. James makes each brother feel fully realized, which makes their dynamic all the more engaging. 

The supporting characters are hilarious and have a very quirky charm that perfectly complements the film's dark humor. Special shoutout to Osgood Perkins, who not only directs with style but also rocks some epic sideburns (they were definitely paid actors)—adding even more character to the mix! With great performances, memorable supporting roles, and a perfect balance of humor and tension, the film stays entertaining from start to finish.

Its only weakness lies in the pacing—there are moments that feel a bit stretched, with some scenes lingering longer than necessary, particularly in the beginning. However, this doesn’t take away from the overall entertainment value, and you’ll still find yourself hooked throughout.

Overall, The Monkey is a surprisingly fun ride. It delivers exactly what you expect—blood, laughs, and a creepy, doomed vibe. If you're in the mood for a bloody good time with some thrilling, unsettling moments, this one’s definitely worth checking out.

The Monkey is now playing in theatres!

Photo credits : Courtesy of Elevation Pictures & NEON.