The Monkey

When twin brothers find a mysterious wind-up monkey, a series of outrageous deaths tear their family apart. Twenty-five years later, the monkey begins a new killing spree forcing the estranged brothers to confront the cursed toy.

The Monkey Movie Review: A Thrilling Stephen King Adaptation

Oz Perkins’ The Monkey (2025) is an eerie combination of dark and horror humor, establishing its place as one of the best Stephen King adaptations. The Monkey is a relentless examination of death’s certainty and outstanding performances from Theo James and Tatiana Maslany The film scares and provokes laughter, a feat that only a handful of modern horror films can match. This review examines the film’s strengths, flaws, and what makes it a must-see film for anyone who loves the genre.

The Monkey Movie Plot Summary

The film begins with a creepy prologue the film Adam Scott plays a haunted airline pilot who has been driven insane by a frightened toy monkey. It cuts back down to twins Hal and Bill Shelburne (played as kids by Christian Convery, as adults by Theo James), who discover the same toy monkey inside their home attic. Unaware of its deadly capabilities and potential danger, they decide to kill it with an array of horrifying murders occur within the two. Mother (Tatiana Maslany) will attempt to take down the toy however, it resurfaces after a few years to cause destruction on the brothers who are separated.

In contrast to most horror films, The Monkey will not let its characters escape the fate of their characters. Every thud from the toy signals the possibility of a grisly end by combining suspense with dark humor.

Why The Monkey Stands Out

A Masterclass in Tone and Direction

Oz Perkins, who directed Longlegs and The Blackcoat’s Daughter, strikes an ideal blend of comedy and horror. The opening scene, a brutal Adam Scott holding the monkey–establishes the darkly humorous style. Perkins uses stark imagery and sudden tonal shifts that keep audiences on edge in and a style that has been praised by critics.

Themes of Mortality and Trauma

“Everybody dies and that’s life” is a theme that runs throughout the film, in its reflection on the immutability of death. The monkey symbolizes unsolved trauma that lingers in families like the Shelburne family for a long time. Thematic depth of the film takes it beyond the scope of just jumping-scare entertainment.

Standout Performances

Theo James is superb as Hal grown-up, and brings the guilt and desperation with uncompromising conviction. Tatiana Maslany’s portrayal of the cynical mom is a great emotional aplomb, while Christian Convery brings to life the innocence of childhood that was ruined by horror.

Horror Meets Humor: A Risky Balance

“The Monkey’s dark and satirical comedy stands out with the gruesome killings. One scene contrasts an intimate dinner with sudden violent, outrageous violence, which highlights Perkins extravagant style. Although some viewers may find it difficult to digest, this scene reinforces the film’s absurd message that life’s absurdity is what makes death all the more terrifying.

Who Should Watch The Monkey?

Fans of horror films that are psychological and works by Stephen King will love its rich and complex storytelling. But the brutal violence, dark and graphic tone make it unsuitable for young children. If you enjoyed Final Destination but wanted more depth, The Monkey is your next film.

Final Verdict

The Monkey is an excellent horror film that delivers frights, comedy and existence-threatening terror in equal measure. Although the second half is a bit slow, Perkins directorship and the incredible performances of the cast will leave you speechless.

Rating: 4.5/5

Frequently Asked Questions

Does The Monkey inspired by a real tale?

The story is a re-telling of Stephen King’s 1980 short story, but Oz Perkins introduces original twists.

What does it have to do with the other King adaptations?

This is more in the style of the Misery series than in IT and has an emphasis on psychological horror over supernatural spectacle.

How can I watch The Monkey?

As of March 2025 it’s in theaters across the globe, with the possibility of streaming it the end of this year.