The Monkey

This 2025 adaptation of Stephen King’s short story “The Monkey,” directed by Osgood Perkins, kicks off with promising energy, offering a mix of gruesome horror and dark humour.

However, despite its initial momentum, the film quickly loses its grip. Going in blind, I found the movie struggling to define its purpose.

At its core, “The Monkey” leans heavily into comedy-horror to its credit, the kills are spectacularly crafted.

The first half delivers shockingly well-executed, blood-soaked deaths that provoke both gasps and guilty laughter. These moments stand out as the film’s strongest moments, injecting bursts of excitement into an otherwise meandering plot.

While the script struggles, the film does manage to impress visually. The cinematography, particularly in the latter half, captures a striking nocturnal aesthetic. Neon-lit diners, dimly glowing motels, and shadowy streets create a hypnotic backdrop, evoking a sense of eerie nostalgia.

For those into atmospheric vibes, this alone might make the journey worthwhile.

Without diving into full spoilers, the film pivots from a chilling horror to a family drama, ultimately losing its impact.

At first, I was convinced I had figured out the killer in The “Monkey” Toy-Not Toy, but the film took a different direction. While I’m glad it didn’t follow that predictable path, the reveal of the true mastermind behind the monkey puppet felt even more ridiculous and, frankly, nonsensical.

I understand it’s a horror-comedy, and if you’re solely in it for that, you might have a great time. But beyond the surface, it’s a film with strong potential that ultimately feels underdeveloped and disappointing.

I enjoy absurd horror when it’s done well, but if you’re going to lean into nonsense, at least offer more than a dumbed-down show of an audience laughing at childish jokes and tired banana innuendos.

Unfortunately, style can’t compensate for its lack of focus. “The Monkey” delivers on gore, but without substance, it’s all spectacle, no soul - fun at the moment, forgettable after.