Unraveling Stephen King’s Chilling Tale: A Playful Review of ‘The Monkey’ – Where Wind-Up Toys Turn to Murder!

Osgood Perkins’ film “The Monkey” takes Stephen King’s eerie tale and spins it into a blend of horror and comedy. It doesn’t shy away from the gory bits, playing them for laughs instead of scares.

The film showcases a wild mix of humor and chaos. It’s like hanging out with that friend who cracks awkward jokes during serious moments. You find yourself chuckling at absurd scenes, such as a chaotic plane crash or a baby stroller engulfed in flames. It’s all over the top and surprisingly entertaining.

At the center of the story is an overwhelmed father, portrayed by Adam Scott, who unwittingly returns a cursed monkey toy to a pawn shop. This action leads to disastrous consequences. The toy doesn’t just bring back fond memories—it brings chaos and death to those nearby.

The plot follows twin brothers Hal and Bill, played by Christian Convery and later, Theo James. Their connection to the monkey changes their lives forever. Hal is the more sensitive one, bullied by classmates, while Bill struggles with his own issues. When they discover the monkey, chaos begins. Their mother, portrayed by Tatiana Maslany, shares a chilling truth: “We all die,” making them question their lives every step of the way.

As the boys navigate their troubled childhood, they find themselves linked to the monkey’s curse. No matter what they do—trying to destroy it or throwing it into a well—the chaos only grows. Hal, now an adult, tries to protect his son from the same fate, while Bill becomes obsessed with the toy, leading to a showdown that could leave their town in ruins.

This film is more than just random killings; it’s also about the brothers’ struggle to confront their past. The comical tone overshadows any deep exploration of their pain, making it hard to take the dangers seriously. The quirky characters, like a self-absorbed uncle and a sarcastic priest, add to the film’s humor but also distract from any heavy themes it might hope to explore.

While the film has its moments of hilarity, it lacks a sense of direction. The pacing is uneven, and the jokes don’t always land. However, for those who enjoy horror mixed with comedy, “The Monkey” offers a ride filled with unexpected twists and plenty of dark humor.

Overall, “The Monkey” is a clever twist on a classic horror trope, delivering laughs and gore in equal measure. For fans of Stephen King or anyone who enjoys a good horror comedy, it might just be an entertaining watch.

Rating: R for intense violence, bloody scenes, and coarse language.

Cast: Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, Christian Convery, Colin O’Brien, Rohan Campbell, and Elijah Wood.

Credits: Directed by Osgood Perkins, based on a short story by Stephen King. A Neon release.

Running Time: 1 hour and 35 minutes