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The Monkey (2025) by Osgood Perkins: A Legacy of Looney Tunes Carnage

  • Writer: dailyentertainment95
    dailyentertainment95
  • Aug 17
  • 5 min read

Short Summary: A Toy's Terrifying Return After a childhood tragedy caused by a sinister toy monkey, twin brothers Hal and Bill go their separate ways. Twenty-five years later, a new wave of bizarre deaths begins, forcing the estranged brothers to reunite and confront the cursed monkey that continues its lethal rampage, leaving a trail of gruesome and darkly comedic destruction in its wake.

Detailed Summary: A Monkey's Grinning Curse

  • The film, with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes, is a horror-comedy based on a Stephen King short story.

  • The narrative unfolds in two timelines. The first follows twin brothers, Hal and Bill, as kids in 1999 who discover a mysterious wind-up toy monkey in their attic. When the monkey starts drumming, it triggers a series of shocking, gruesome accidents that lead to the deaths of those around them.

  • After one of the deaths, the brothers, believing the monkey is cursed, hide it by throwing it down a well.

  • The story jumps 25 years into the future. The now-estranged brothers, Hal and Bill, are forced back together when a string of bizarre, fatal accidents begins again.

  • They realize the monkey has returned and must face their shared trauma and the lethal toy's curse, which seems to have a mind of its own, causing over-the-top, Final Destination-style deaths. The film’s focus is on the brothers' attempt to stop the bloodshed while their past resentments and sibling rivalry resurface.

Director's Vision: The Horror of the Absurd

  • Osgood Perkins aimed for a departure from his previous, more serious horror films (Longlegs, The Blackcoat's Daughter), creating a darkly comedic horror film that's "more Death Becomes Her than anything else."

  • Perkins's vision was to make a movie that was "goofy" and fun, but still deeply rooted in a sense of existential dread. He wanted the audience to laugh and grimace at the same time.

  • The cursed monkey itself is not a Chucky or M3GAN-style killer doll; it's a passive observer. It is its presence that triggers the absurd deaths. Perkins's personal connection to the story (losing a parent in a freak accident) led him to explore themes of inherited trauma and how people deal with death's randomness.

  • The director’s approach is to blend absurd, cartoonish violence with grounded, believable characters, creating a unique and unsettling tone.

Themes: The Legacy of Trauma and Masculinity

  • The Inescapable Past: The film’s central theme is how childhood trauma can manifest and haunt individuals for years, even after they believe they have escaped it. The monkey is a physical representation of the inherited curse and guilt from their past.

  • Masculinity and Fatherhood: Critics have noted that the film is a deeply thoughtful exploration of manhood and masculinity. The twin brothers, particularly Hal, are forced to confront their roles as men and fathers while dealing with their fractured relationship and the curse that was passed down to them.

  • Existential Absurdity: The film wrestles with the randomness of death and life's inherent unfairness. The gruesome, almost slapstick deaths serve to highlight the absurdity of existence, forcing the characters to find a way to live with the chaos.

Key success factors: Acclaimed Acting and a Unique Tone

  • Theo James in a Dual Role: The film's success is largely attributed to the stellar performance of Theo James, who "seamlessly" portrays both adult brothers, Hal and Bill. Critics have praised his ability to convey both a deadpan disbelief and a believable rage, anchoring the film’s unique blend of humor and horror.

  • Creative and Gory Kills: The film’s over-the-top, Final Destination-style deaths are a major draw. The inventive and ridiculously violent set-pieces are a key factor, providing both the horror and the comedy that defines the film.

  • Perkins's Signature Style: Osgood Perkins's distinct directorial style, including an eerie atmosphere, creative lighting, and a well-paced narrative, solidifies his reputation as a unique voice in modern horror.

Awards and Nominations: A Promising Debut

  • The film had a promising start, with a screening at Beyond Fest prior to its official release. It has received positive reviews from critics and has been a strong box office performer, grossing $68.9 million worldwide as of late August 2025.

Critics Reception: Good, Unclean Fun

  • MovieWeb: This site praises the film for its incredible blend of humor and gore, calling it "deeply thoughtful" and a "splatter-fest that may be too relentlessly violent for people."

  • The Telescope: A review describes the film as an "excellent depiction of comical violence" that is also "filled with existential thoughts about life and death." The critic praises the film’s ability to find comedy and heart in its gore, calling it "good, unclean fun."

  • Under the Radar Magazine: The review notes that the film is an "acquired taste" and that while the deaths are "gory" and "delectable," the film's allegorical nature may leave some viewers confused.

  • Overall Summary: Critics have largely praised The Monkey for its unique and successful blend of horror and comedy, as well as its strong performances. The film is considered a bold and effective take on a Stephen King story, though its bizarre tone and extreme gore may not be for everyone.

Why to recommend movie: For a Different Kind of Horror

  • For a Fresh Take on the Stephen King Adaptation: The film is not a simple monster movie; it is a creative and personal adaptation that adds a unique voice to the King universe.

  • If You're a Fan of Dark Comedy: If you enjoy humor that is both unsettling and absurd, this film is a perfect blend of genres that will keep you on your toes.

  • To Experience the Rising Star of Osgood Perkins: The director is establishing himself as a master of atmosphere and tone. This film is a must-watch to see his stylistic range.

  • For an Incredible Dual Performance: Theo James’s portrayal of both Hal and Bill is a captivating and impressive feat of acting that anchors the entire film.

Movie Trend: The High-Concept Horror-Comedy

The Monkey is a strong entry in the growing trend of high-concept horror-comedies. This genre moves beyond simple B-movie antics to deliver clever, self-aware horror that uses humor to explore deeper themes. It is part of a new wave of films that prove horror can be both terrifying and funny, blending shocking gore with witty dialogue and absurdist plots.

Social Trend: Living with Existential Dread

The film taps into the modern social trend of living with existential dread and the absurdity of life. With its seemingly random, deadly accidents, the movie externalizes the feeling of a world out of control. The characters' struggle to find meaning and purpose in the face of senseless tragedy resonates with a generation grappling with the unpredictable nature of the modern world.

Final Verdict: A Visually Striking and Gory Delight

The Monkey is a visually striking, gory, and deeply funny film that stands out as a unique entry in the horror genre. Osgood Perkins masterfully balances shocking violence with a sharp sense of humor, creating a movie that is as thoughtful as it is terrifying. Bolstered by a fantastic dual performance from Theo James, the film is a testament to the power of a bold directorial vision. It's a cult classic in the making and a must-watch for anyone who enjoys their horror with a large dose of dark comedy.


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