Rating: ★★★☆☆
Osgood “Oz” Perkins’ adaptation of The Monkey, based on Stephen King’s short story, is a stylish yet uneven horror film that struggles to balance its eerie atmosphere with narrative cohesion. While featuring solid performances from Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, and Elijah Wood, the film falls short of its full potential due to pacing issues and an over-reliance on genre tropes. [Category Movie News, Movie Reviews] [Tags Osgood Perkins, Stephen King, Elijah Wood, Theo James, Tatiana Maslany]
Plot Summary
Twin brothers Hal and Bill (both played by Theo James) stumble upon a cursed toy monkey from their childhood, a relic responsible for a string of inexplicable deaths. After believing they had rid themselves of the sinister artifact, they find their lives once again haunted by its deadly presence. As they uncover the dark origins of the monkey, they must confront both supernatural forces and their own past trauma in an attempt to break the curse.
What Works
Strong Performances
Theo James effectively portrays both brothers with subtle differences, adding depth to their relationship. Tatiana Maslany and Elijah Wood provide solid support, though their roles feel underutilized.
Creepy Atmosphere & Visuals
Perkins excels at creating a moody, unsettling aesthetic. The cinematography and sound design contribute to an eerie ambiance, making The Monkey feel genuinely unsettling in key moments.
Moments of Effective Horror
When the film leans into its horror roots, it delivers well-executed suspense sequences, particularly in the way the monkey’s curse manifests. The tension builds nicely in isolated scenes, providing a few memorable scares.
What Falls Short
Pacing Issues & Uneven Tone
The film struggles with a slow-moving middle act that drains the tension. While the opening is strong and the climax has impact, much of the runtime feels bloated, with unnecessary exposition dragging down the momentum.
Predictable Story Beats
The cursed-object trope is well-worn territory in horror, and The Monkey does little to reinvent it. While the premise is intriguing, the story follows a familiar pattern without enough surprises to elevate it above similar films.
Underdeveloped Characters
Despite solid performances, the film’s characters feel somewhat hollow. We never fully connect with Hal and Bill’s personal struggles, and supporting characters exist more as plot devices than fully realized individuals.
Final Verdict
The Monkey is an aesthetically haunting film with strong performances and a few effective scares, but its slow pacing, predictable storytelling, and underdeveloped characters prevent it from being truly memorable. Fans of Stephen King adaptations and atmospheric horror may find some enjoyment here, but for others, it may feel like a missed opportunity to do something more innovative with its source material.
Recommended For: Stephen King enthusiasts, fans of slow-burn horror, and those who appreciate eerie visuals over fast-paced storytelling.
Final Score: 3/5
