The Monkey (2025)

After watching The Monkey (2025), I realized I had just experienced something extraordinary. I love a movie that doesn't take itself too seriously, and this film absolutely delivered!

About 'The Monkey'

“Everybody dies, and that’s life.” This line in Oz Perkins’ “The Monkey” encapsulates the theme of life's unavoidable harshness. Known for films like “The Blackcoat’s Daughter,” Perkins adapts a Stephen King story while incorporating his own narrative style in this dark comedy. Unlike "Final Destination," where characters evade death, "The Monkey" offers no escape; it's chaotic, inevitable, and bloody.

Perkins kicks things off with a bloodied Adam Scott and a creepy toy monkey. Right from the start, we meet a guy who's totally freaked out by this child's toy, setting the stage for some seriously dark comedy.

The plot follows twins Hal and Bill Shelburne, with Christian Convery playing them as kids and Theo James taking over as adults. They stumble upon their dad's toy monkey, and when they wind it up, things take a deadly turn, leading to some shocking moments, one quite literally, including the deaths of their babysitter and mom. Every attempt to get rid of the monkey just makes things worse, spiraling into even more chaos.

Visual Storytelling

Visually, The Monkey is stunning. Osgood Perkins' distinct style is evident in every scene. The cinematography creates an eerie atmosphere, with haunting visuals that add depth to the story.

 Perkins has a knack for mixing humor with horror when it comes to death scenes. The film really nails that vibe where death feels like it's not just unavoidable but also pretty creative. It’s almost like death has its own sense of humor.

Themes That Resonate

At its core, The Monkey explores themes of obsession, identity, and the human psyche. It raises important questions about what defines our perception and how these perceptions shape our experiences.

While this film is a dark comedy, it does delve into discussions on our own mortality, friendships, and family bonds. It has a unique perspective but is somehow still relatable in many ways.

Perkins, who sadly lost his mom in the 9/11 attacks, really brings that personal pain into the film, which makes it hit harder. You don’t have to know his backstory to enjoy it, but it definitely adds some extra layers to the whole experience. The movie dives into this random cruelty that kind of reminds you of winding up a toy monkey—it’s a wild ride!

Final Thoughts

The Monkey (2025) is a film that I will gladly be watching again. With its incredible cast, unique premise, and thought-provoking themes, it has earned a prominent place among my must-see films. It reminds me of Krampus, which is one of my favorite films. I love a story that doesn't take itself too seriously/

I highly recommend watching The Monkey. It's a cinematic journey that is as entertaining as it is profound. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare yourself for an experience you'll be thinking about long after the film ends. You certainly won't regret it! And remember, “Everybody dies, and that’s life.”

Where to watch:

Amazon

Hulu