“The Monkey,” a 2025 horror comedy based on Stephen King’s short story, was released on Feb. 21 with a $10 million budget. Directed and written by Osgood Perkins, the film has earned approximately $56 million at the box office. 

Starring Theo James, known for “Divergent” and “How It Ends”, and Christian Convery, recognized for “Invincible” and “Sweet Tooth”, The Monkey follows twin brothers Bill and Hal, who discover a toy monkey that kills people whenever it plays its drum. After a series of deaths, the brothers hide the monkey away, only for it to resurface 25 years later. Now, they must stop it before it claims more victims.

While marketed as a horror film, the comedy aspect stands out as the movie’s strongest element. The Monkey blends dark humor with a self-aware tone, with over-the-top death scenes that create laughs rather than terror. The overall silliness adds to its entertainment value, making the horror less scary and more absurd.

However, the characters remain largely forgettable. While the performances are competent, they fail to leave a lasting impression, aside from a few standouts. James and Convery convincingly portray the twin brothers, utilizing the “Parent Trap” or “Sonic 3” effect of one actor playing dual roles. The execution is so seamless that, at first, I believed the twins were played by two different actors. But knowing the truth may reduce the immersion on subsequent viewings. Tatiana Maslany also shines, delivering one of the film’s most effective scares.

The special effects are another highlight. The film relies heavily on practical effects for its gory death scenes, which adds to their impact. Perkins, in interviews, emphasized his preference for practical effects, using CGI only when absolutely necessary. This approach results in a more tangible and immersive visual experience.

Overall, The Monkey delivers a blend of humor and impressive effects, but its story and characters fall short. If you’re willing to overlook these flaws for a bloody, fun time, it’s worth a watch.

Final Rating: 7/10