A Delightfully Twisted Take on Stephen King’s Cursed Toy; The Monkey (2025)
'The Monkey': A Delightfully Twisted Take on Stephen King’s Cursed Toy
"Osgood Perkins delivers a darkly comic, surprisingly heartfelt horror that defies expectations—and makes a killer toy feel fresh again." — 4/5 Stars
For fans of Stephen King’s stranger tales and those who appreciate horror with a wicked sense of humor, The Monkey is a rare adaptation that not only honors its source but elevates it.
I went into The Monkey with cautious curiosity—after all, how do you turn a wind-up toy that claps cymbals into a credible engine of terror? Yet Osgood Perkins pulls off the near-impossible: a horror film that masterfully blends pitch-black comedy with genuinely gruesome set pieces, all anchored by emotional depth and razor-sharp direction. Far from a gimmick, this cursed monkey becomes the beating (and clapping) heart of one of the most inventive King adaptations in years.
Based on Stephen King’s 1980 short story, the film follows twin brothers Hal and Bill (both played with astonishing range by Theo James) whose lives are upended when a mysterious toy monkey begins orchestrating absurdly elaborate, Rube Goldberg–style deaths around them. What begins as childhood trauma evolves into a decades-spanning curse that drags their families—and a parade of unfortunate souls—into its chaotic orbit. I was genuinely stunned by the film’s inventive, gory set pieces: each death is a meticulously choreographed nightmare, equal parts hilarious and horrifying, expanding King’s brief premise into a full-blooded carnival of dread.
Perkins leans into the premise with fearless tonal control. The result is a unique blend of horror and dark comedy that never undercuts its own stakes. One moment you’re laughing at the sheer audacity of a death-by-garden-gnome avalanche; the next, you’re chilled by the quiet grief of two brothers haunted by a past they can’t outrun. It’s this balance—between the macabre and the melancholic—that makes The Monkey so compelling.
Strong Performances Meet Directorial Finesse
The film’s success rests heavily on Theo James’ dual performance, and he delivers with remarkable subtlety—distinguishing Hal’s weary guilt from Bill’s brittle defensiveness without resorting to caricature. He’s supported by a stellar ensemble: Tatiana Maslany brings grounded warmth as Hal’s wife, while young Christian Convery and Colin O’Brien capture the innocence that the monkey so cruelly corrupts. Even cameos from Elijah Wood, Adam Scott, and Sarah Levy feel purposeful, not perfunctory.
All of this is guided by Osgood Perkins’ directorial finesse. Known for his atmospheric, psychologically rich horror, Perkins here proves he can handle broader tones without losing his signature unease. His camera lingers on the monkey’s glassy eyes just long enough to unsettle, and his pacing ensures the comedy never dilutes the horror—or vice versa. This is horror that dares to be funny while still making your skin crawl, and I found myself both cringing and chuckling in the same breath.
A Niche Hit with Mainstream Legs
Perhaps most impressively, The Monkey has transcended its cult origins to become a genuine box office success—grossing over $68.6 million worldwide against a modest budget. This isn’t just a win for King fans; it’s proof that audiences are hungry for smart, stylized horror that takes risks. I’ve rarely seen a killer-toy film executed with this much wit, gore, and heart—and it’s thrilling to see it resonate so widely.
"Perkins has done the impossible: made a killer toy feel original, terrifying, and weirdly poignant—all while keeping you laughing through the screams."
The film isn’t flawless—the third act tightens a few emotional threads a bit too neatly—but these are minor stumbles in an otherwise confident, wildly entertaining ride. The Monkey succeeds where so many King adaptations fail: it captures the author’s love of the bizarre while adding its own cinematic voice.
I walked in expecting camp. I walked out impressed, unsettled, and weirdly moved. For fans of dark comedy horror, Stephen King completists, or anyone tired of jump-scare fatigue, The Monkey is a must-watch. It’s smart, stylish, gory, and packed with enough inventive kills to satisfy gorehounds—while still leaving room for the heart.
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