
When twin brothers Bill and Hal find their father's old monkey toy in the attic, a series of deaths start. The siblings decide to throw the toy away and move on with their lives, growing apart over the years.
Life is inherently unpredictable, and the inevitability of death is a unescapable aspect of the human experience. While it is natural to experience fear and anxiety about the unknown, it is important to recognize that death is an inevitable part of life. Instead of dwelling on the fear of death, we should embrace the finite nature of our time on earth and cherish the precious moments we spend with our loved ones. The film The Monkey, directed by Osgood Perkins, masterfully explores this concept. Through its satirical lens, the film playfully confronts the unpredictability and absurdity of death. By employing a series of bizarre and humorous killings by a toy monkey, the film serves as a metaphor for the chaotic and unpredictable nature of life. The Monkey stands as a testament to the brilliance of Osgood Perkins’ filmmaking. With its cleverly executed kills and overall chaotic atmosphere, the film keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. It is a celebration of life and a reminder that death should not be taken too seriously. The Monkey is a modern masterpiece that offers a unique and entertaining perspective on the human experience. It is a testament to the power of satire and the enduring appeal of horror films. This is a perfect horror film to explain why the horror genre is so cathartic.

Recently, I engaged in a conversation with a director regarding the industry’s tendency to take itself too seriously. The primary purpose of filmmaking is to evoke enjoyment, and this is precisely what The Monkey achieves. It embraces its campy premise and revels in its uniqueness. While it differs significantly from Longlegs, it does not conceal the horror elements that horror enthusiasts will appreciate. It has so many great horror moments in this movie. I am often captivated by fresh and innovative risks filmmakers make. Fortunately, this film embodies both qualities. The unfiltered dialogue and the bizarre deaths surrounding the characters contribute to its charm. Theo James delivers a standout performance as both twins, infusing each character with charisma and humor. The script allows the narrative to unfold through this uninhibited lens. A notable example is a character who candidly expresses their thoughts and delivers brutally honest remarks. This approach enhances the characters’ realism while simultaneously infusing the story with humor, which is crucial when dealing with such subject matter. The Monkey presents some harrowing traumatic events that befall its characters and that could kill the mood . However, these events are never overly serious or dreadful, instead it has a sense of amusement to it. The film skillfully combines multiple genres, achieving a seamless blend that left me with a broad smile on my face as I walked out the theater.

In this film, the deaths are a significant part of the movie. That may concern some viewers who have seen the trailer, that think the trailer showed all the kills. However, The Monkey offers a unique and entertaining experience that will likely surprise audiences with many more kills, not seen in the trailer. From the opening scene to the conclusion, the movie is characterized by graphic violence and chaotic moments. Each death is more gruesome than the last, and there are instances where I was left in shock by the unfolding carnage. The Monkey is like a Pandora’s box, unleashing a torrent of chaos upon the world. The film’s humor is stylized unlike I have ever seen and often served as a punchline, when it presented violent deaths. The creative kills are expertly executed, striking a balance between campiness and graphic imagery. I was left with a sense of disbelief as each death elicits a verbal reaction of “what the f***.” Despite the initial shock from the start, the film’s storytelling gradually becomes familiar, and I was transported on a wacky adventure filled with blood. While the film’s unconventional storytelling may take some time to adjust to, when you become accustomed to it, you will be rewarded with an entertaining and thought-provoking ride.

Overall, The Monkey stands out from the recent movies in theaters. The horror genre has made a strong debut this year, having only been a couple months into it. The film showcases remarkable creativity and subverts conventional storytelling expectations. Every film directed by Osgood incorporates a unique element to captivate the audience and immerse them in a vividly portrayed world. His filmmaking prowess elevates him to one of the most accomplished directors of our time for us horror fans. The Monkey has the potential to become a modern classic and a favorite among horror enthusiasts. It has the potential to introduce individuals to the horror genre, although it has graphic and gory nature, which may serve as a deterrent for those who cannot handle such content. While the violence can be intense, it serves a purposeful narrative element. The film effectively utilizes shock value, making it a compelling piece of showing how death can be so chaotic. After viewing, audiences will undoubtedly discuss its surreal and unsettling nature. This film would be an ideal choice for group viewings, so consider inviting your friends to join you.
Rating: 95/100
Out in theaters February 21st
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