“The Monkey” Review: A Blend Of Dark Comedy & Horror That’s Weird, Wild & Totally Wonderful

If you’re a fan of Stephen King’s eerie storytelling, “The Monkey” is the perfect adaptation for you.

Directed by Osgood Perkins, this American comedy horror film, based on King’s short story from his “Skeleton Crew” collection, delivers exactly what you’d expect – spooky vibes, an unrelenting curse, and, of course, plenty of quirky family drama.

The story kicks off in the late ‘90s with twins Bill and Hal (Christian Convery) – two brothers with a love-hate relationship that could only exist between siblings. Things take a creepy turn when they discover a mysterious wind-up monkey toy their father seemingly left behind. The twist? When the monkey’s key is turned, it chooses a victim to meet their demise in freak accidents. What starts as a simple family mystery quickly spirals into something much darker, leading the estranged brothers to reunite years later in a desperate bid to stop the monkey’s destructive spree.

As children, they were torn apart by unresolved issues, and those tensions flare up once again as adults. Forced to confront their past and reconcile, they must learn to work together to unravel the curse. Their emotional journey is both comedic and poignant, revealing how personal histories shape present actions. It’s not just about solving a mystery – it’s about healing old wounds, making their bond feel authentic and relatable amidst the chaos of the curse. This emotional depth gives the film a richness often missing from typical horror flicks.

What makes “The Monkey” fun is how it blends horror and humour. The characters themselves recognise how ridiculous the situation is, which helps balance out the spooky moments with a little bit of dark comedy. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, which adds to the fun. The humour isn’t in-your-face but rather subtly woven into the absurdity of the events. It doesn’t dilute the tension; instead, it serves as a quirky counterpoint to the horror, providing a brief but welcome release from the tension.

Theo James, who plays the adult versions of the twin brothers, gives a quirky and charming performance. But the real standout is Christian Convery, who portrays the twins as kids. He does an excellent job of showing the contrast between their personalities, while still making their sibling bond feel believable and grounded.

The film really explores the fear of death and the strange ways it invades our lives, which is a classic Stephen King theme. Perkins infuses a sense of dread throughout, with the presence of the monkey hanging over everything – like a constant reminder that life can change in an instant, especially when you least expect it.

That said, not everything hits the mark. Some of the absurd moments veer a bit too far into weird territory, and there’s a subplot involving a character that feels a little out of place. However, the film’s heart is in the right place, and it knows how to keep you engaged as the plot unfolds.

If you’re looking for a mix of horror, dark humour, and family drama, “The Monkey” has you covered. It may not be the most polished film in its genre, but it’s definitely a wild ride. The film’s balance of creepy and comedic elements makes it a fun, spooky watch for anyone who loves a good tale about family, fate, and, of course, cursed toys.

So, grab your popcorn, prepare for a few laughs, and try not to let that monkey wind you up too much.

“The Monkey” will be in cinemas on 20th February.