THE MONKEY (2025) – Disappointing Splatter Horror Tale
Rating: ⭐ 1/2
The Monkey belongs to the category of splatter horror movies that rely heavily on gore and dark humor to masquerade as entertainment. As an avid horror fan, I find this type of film increasingly difficult to tolerate.
With a storyline that lacks substance and characters that are neither relatable nor likable, the movie often leaves viewers feeling as though they have wasted their time. One of the film’s supposed selling points is its association with Stephen King, as it is based on one of his short stories published in 1980. However, unlike King’s more successful film adaptations, the characters in this story lack depth and come across as one dimensional.
The overall plot revolves around a drum-playing toy monkey of unknown origins, which causes horrific deaths to random people nearby whenever its key is turned, and it starts to play the drum. This macabre toy lands in the hands of twin brothers who discovered it among their father’s belongings after he abandoned them at an early age.
This premise provides the filmmakers with an excuse to stage increasingly gruesome and bloody death scenes, designed solely to shock the audience. These scenes are so over-the-top that they simultaneously serve as a form of sick humour. While there may be an audience for such juvenile amusement park-like thrills, it is not for me. As a fan of horror and slasher movies, I appreciate films that possess cohesive logic in their plots and feature interesting characters and scripts that engage viewers.
In comparison, the Final Destination series, which this film reminds me of, executes this genre exceptionally well. Their death scenes are creatively executed, and their cast of young, beautiful people are usually well-written and acted.
In conclusion, The Monkey is a forgettable piece of trashy cinema. This is particularly disappointing as it comes from director Osgood Perkins, the same person who gave us Longlegs, one of the best horror offerings last year. The movie fails to provide any meaningful substance or engaging content and does little to advance the legacy of Stephen King’s works. For those who seek horror films with depth, creativity, and well-crafted characters, this movie is best avoided.
