Oz Perkins is making waves in the horror genre. Known for his unique storytelling, he draws inspiration from his own family’s tragic history. His latest film, “Longlegs,” dives into his mother, Berry Berenson, who lost her life on 9/11. It explores the powerful narratives that mothers create for their children. Similarly, his earlier work, “I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House,” hints at his father, the late actor Anthony Perkins, famous for his role in “Psycho.”
Perkins’ newest film, “The Monkey,” is based on a Stephen King short story. It tackles heavy themes like generational trauma and the randomness of death. The story makes us ponder whether to fight against uncontrollable forces or simply accept them and carry on.
“The Monkey” stands out as a horror film filled with dark humor. Instead of just scaring you, it provokes laughter mixed with shock. The suspense comes from a relatable feeling of “what now?” that those who’ve faced unbearable tragedies understand.
Set against the backdrop of Maine, the film features twin brothers Hal and Bill. As kids, they discover a wind-up monkey toy among their long-gone father’s belongings. When they wind it up, chaos ensues, including witnessing their babysitter’s sudden death. In a desperate act, Hal tries to divert the monkey’s chaos onto his brother, leading to a series of unfortunate events that leave them orphans.
The curse of the monkey is profound—it protects you while endangering those around you. This burden follows Hal and Bill into adulthood, leaving them estranged. Hal lives a quiet life, working at a convenience store and keeping a distance from his son to shield him from harm. Bill, on the other hand, becomes a reclusive figure, fixated on using the monkey to gain some control over his life.
Visually, “The Monkey” is stunning. The cinematography by Nico Aguilar plays with various light sources to create a rich and immersive experience. Perkins has a talent for helping actors shine, too. Both Theo James and Christian Convery give striking performances as the twin brothers, showcasing their different yet interconnected journeys.
The film carries an important message about mortality, as their mother Lois wisely tells her sons, “everybody dies.” Facing this truth can help us manage generational trauma. Although death’s randomness is beyond our control, acknowledging it is crucial. “The Monkey” cleverly delivers these themes while presenting a stylish and darkly funny tale. It reminds us that sometimes, laughter is the best response to the absurdities of life.
