Writer-director Osgood Perkins returns with another chilling horror film, following his critically acclaimed Longlegs. Although Perkins’ atmospheric tension in Longlegs was unsettling, The Monkey promises a fresh and captivating experience for fans of the genre.
In this new film, actor Theo James plays dual roles as Hal and Bill Shelburn, twin brothers haunted by their family’s dark past. At the center of the brothers’ trauma is a malevolent wind-up monkey that was once owned by their absentee father. Drawing inspiration from Stephen King’s 1980 short story, Perkins crafts a unique blend of horror and comedy.
The Monkey features eccentric details, such as an oversized water bottle and 50s rock’n’roll music, which add to the tension and unease. The film expertly weaves intricate genre mechanisms, making it difficult to predict who will meet their demise. Yet, amidst the terror, Perkins also conveys authentic human emotion, leaving viewers with a lasting impression.
Perkins draws from his own personal experiences, including the tragic loss of his father and mother in separate incidents. This may have influenced him to explore how we cope with death’s unpredictability and presence in our lives. The Monkey offers a thought-provoking suggestion on this profound topic, making it a must-watch for horror fans.
The Monkey is currently playing in UK and Irish cinemas.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/feb/22/the-monkey-review-fear-is-the-key-in-a-terrifyingly-brilliant-toy-story