Quick Summary Box
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Movie Name | The Monkey (2025) |
| Director | Osgood Perkins |
| Cast | Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, Christian Convery, Colin O’Brien |
| Genre | Horror, Black Comedy |
| IMDb Rating | 6.0/10 ⭐ |
| Duration | 1h 38m |
| Where to Watch | Theatrical release; streaming platforms TBA |
| Release Date | February 21, 2025 |
Introduction: A Stephen King Nightmare Brought to Life
Stephen King’s works have a long history of terrifying adaptations, and The Monkey (2025) joins the ranks as a chilling psychological horror film. Directed by Osgood Perkins, this adaptation of King’s 1980 short story takes viewers on a sinister journey where an eerie wind-up monkey toy becomes the harbinger of death. With an atmospheric blend of horror and dark comedy, the film stars Theo James and Tatiana Maslany, delivering an unsettling narrative packed with dread, trauma, and supernatural horror.
Plot Analysis: A Tale of Familial Bonds and Cursed Legacies
The story follows twin brothers Hal and Bill Shelburn, who, as children, stumble upon an old wind-up monkey toy in their attic. Each time the toy’s cymbals clash, a mysterious and gruesome death follows. Convinced that the monkey is responsible, they attempt to dispose of it, only to have their lives spiral into chaos.
Fast forward 25 years, Hal and Bill have grown apart, each trying to forget the horrors of their childhood. However, when the monkey inexplicably resurfaces, the cycle of death resumes, forcing the estranged brothers to reunite and uncover the dark origins of the cursed toy before it consumes their families. The film’s eerie atmosphere intensifies as they delve deeper into the mystery, confronting both supernatural forces and their own haunted past.
While the narrative is gripping, the pacing fluctuates between moments of intense suspense and slower character-driven sequences. Some horror elements feel predictable, but the eerie build-up and psychological tension compensate for the occasional lull.
Character Development and Performances
Theo James as Hal and Bill Shelburn
Theo James takes on the dual role of the twin brothers, showcasing his range as both the skeptical Hal and the deeply affected Bill. His ability to differentiate the two through subtle physical cues and emotional depth enhances the film’s psychological tension.
Tatiana Maslany as Lois Shelburn
Tatiana Maslany portrays the brothers’ mother, Lois, in both the past and present timelines. She delivers a compelling performance, depicting a woman torn between disbelief and fear as she watches her family unravel.
Supporting Cast
Christian Convery and Colin O’Brien portray the younger versions of Hal and Bill, respectively, and effectively capture the terror and confusion of their childhood experiences. The film also features strong supporting performances from Elijah Wood and Sarah Levy, though some characters feel underdeveloped in their roles.
Direction, Cinematography, and Soundtrack
Osgood Perkins’ Direction
Known for his atmospheric horror films (The Blackcoat’s Daughter, I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House), Perkins crafts a visually haunting experience. His use of shadows, slow zooms, and lingering shots creates an unsettling atmosphere, making The Monkey feel more like a creeping psychological nightmare rather than a jump-scare-heavy horror film.
Cinematography
Cinematographer Nico Aguilar masterfully plays with dim lighting, eerie close-ups, and muted color palettes to enhance the film’s unsettling aura. The contrast between the childhood flashbacks and present-day sequences adds depth to the storytelling.
Soundtrack
Composer Edo Van Breemen delivers a haunting score that shifts between eerie melodies and jarring dissonance. The sound design plays a crucial role, amplifying the tension each time the monkey’s cymbals clash, creating an auditory signature of impending doom.
Themes and Messages
Beyond its supernatural horror elements, The Monkey explores themes of:
- Fate vs. Free Will – Can the brothers escape their cursed destiny, or are they bound by the monkey’s power?
- Trauma and Repressed Memories – The film delves into the lingering effects of childhood trauma and how unresolved fears manifest in adulthood.
- Familial Bonds and Guilt – The strained relationship between Hal and Bill highlights the burdens of shared trauma and survivor’s guilt.
While these themes add depth, the film could have further explored the psychological implications of the curse.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
✅ Strong Performances – Theo James and Tatiana Maslany deliver compelling performances that anchor the emotional weight of the film.
✅ Eerie Atmosphere – The unsettling cinematography and sound design create an immersive horror experience.
✅ Unique Blend of Horror and Dark Comedy – Unlike traditional horror films, The Monkey incorporates moments of dark humor, making it stand out.
Weaknesses
❌ Pacing Issues – Some scenes feel prolonged, affecting the tension build-up.
❌ Underdeveloped Supporting Characters – While the main characters are well-fleshed out, some side characters feel like mere plot devices.
❌ Lack of Thematic Depth – The film introduces intriguing themes but doesn’t fully explore them.
Comparison to Other Osgood Perkins Films
Compared to The Blackcoat’s Daughter and I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House, The Monkey takes a slightly more commercial approach. It retains Perkins’ signature slow-burn horror style but adds a layer of accessibility through its use of black comedy. Fans of his earlier works may appreciate the eerie atmosphere but might find the humor slightly jarring.
Conclusion: A Haunting Descent into Familial Horror
The Monkey (2025) is a chilling addition to the Stephen King adaptation lineup, offering a blend of psychological terror and supernatural horror. While it may not be the scariest King adaptation, it successfully crafts an unsettling experience that lingers beyond the credits.
🔹 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
For fans of slow-burn horror with psychological depth, The Monkey is a worthwhile watch. If you prefer fast-paced, jump-scare-heavy films, this may not be your cup of tea. Either way, the film leaves you questioning the nature of fate, trauma, and the horrors lurking in forgotten childhood memories.
Where to Watch The Monkey (2025)
Currently, The Monkey is available in theaters. Streaming details are yet to be announced but are expected to be available on major platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, or Amazon Prime Video in the coming months.
If You Enjoyed The Monkey (2025) Review, You Might Also Like:
Here are some similar horror films reviewed on TopMovieReview.xyz:
- Smile (2022) Review
- It (2017) Review
- Talk to Me (2023) Review
- The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015) Review