The Monkey

Going Bananas! Critics Can't Decide If 'The Monkey' Is a Horror Hit or a Comedic Miss!

Is the new horror film 'The Monkey' worth the scare or just monkeying around? Critics weigh in!

Prepare for a wild ride this February 21, 2025, as "The Monkey," the latest horror-comedy from director Osgood Perkins, swings into theatres. Based on a chilling Stephen King story, this cinematic escapade features identical twin brothers, Hal and Bill, played by the talented Christian Convery. With their single mother Lois, portrayed by Tatiana Maslany, the brothers find themselves wrestling with a cursed wind-up toy monkey—yes, you heard that right! If you thought toys were simply for playtime, think again. This monkey possesses a sinister spirit that wreaks havoc on their lives, making this a horrifying, yet oddly humorous experience.

Critics are busy throwing monkey emojis at their reviews, trying to untangle whether Perkins' film leans more towards frightening or funny. The director, who previously captivated audiences with "Longlegs," takes a risk in "The Monkey" by injecting a cartoonish vibe into the gory chaos. According to some reviews, the splatter gags might be a bit too ambitious, leading to a mix of laughs and gasps. The film's unique blend of horror and humour has some reviewers reeling in delight while others feel that it could have been executed with a bit more finesse. But hey, isn’t a little chaos just what we need sometimes?

As the story unfolds, the twins face a series of increasingly absurd yet gruesome events caused by the cursed toy. With actors like Theo James joining the fun and familiar faces like Colin O'Brien and Elijah appearing throughout, audiences are promised not only scares but also unexpected chuckles. Perkins himself brings a cheeky self-awareness to the film, inviting viewers to embrace the insanity, making it a rollercoaster of emotions akin to being on a carnival ride—screaming one minute and laughing the next.

To add to the excitement, Perkins has spilled some beans on the creative journey behind "The Monkey." He constantly shifts between horror and comedy, calling it the "slightly unhinged cousin" of his previous works. Many are curious about whether Perkins will bring back the same frightful allure that made "Longlegs" a success. If there’s one thing for certain, it’s that the film is bound to spark conversations long after the credits roll. Whether you’re a hardcore horror fan or just looking for lighthearted chaos, this one’s sure to deliver surprises!

As a quirky fact, Stephen King's original tale about a cursed toy monkey dates back to his 1985 collection, “Skeleton Crew,” proving that even the nightmare-inducing toys can haunt artists’ imaginations long before they get adapted into films. Fun fact: Perkins isn’t the first filmmaker to dive into the realm of cursed toys. Classics such as "Child's Play" and "Annabelle" have treaded similar paths, but with Perkins' unique twist, perhaps we’re in for a fresh take!

So, fellow film buffs, grab your popcorn and get ready to laugh through your screams—"The Monkey" is about to unleash a wild adventure on the big screen.