When it comes to horror, Stephen King is a staple, whether you’re diving into his books or watching film adaptations. His creations are consistently captivating. “The Monkey” instantly becomes a must-watch for a devoted Stephen King enthusiast. Although it took me some time to finally watch this particular film, it stayed firmly at the top of my must-see list.
A King In Many Domains
“The Monkey” is a 2025 horror film inspired by a short story from Stephen King. Originally part of King’s 1985 anthology, “Skeleton Crew,” this tale joins the ranks of other successful adaptations like “The Mist.” It was hardly surprising when “The Monkey” received the green light, as King’s work is often ripe for adaptation.
The Monkey
The film delivers a gripping hour and 38 minutes of terror and gut-wrenching gore. Directed by Osgood Perkins, it features a talented cast including Theo James, Colin O’Brien, Elijah Wood, Adam Scott, Christian Convery, Tatiana Maslany, and, true to King’s style, Osgood Perkins himself.
A Toy That Binds: The Inherited Curse
Much like the original King story, the film centers on Hal and Petey, but in the cinematic work, the two are twins whose relationship is more fraught with tension than connection. Their strained bond becomes evident as the story unfolds, sparked by the discovery of one sinister object. The plot kicks off when a man tries to pawn what seems to be a toy monkey, finding it impossible to rid himself of it. Once owned, always owned. Unknowingly and tragically, Hal and Petey inherit the object and its curse.
A Fateful Demand: The Choice That Sets the Horror in Motion
Everything began in a seemingly ordinary manner. Yet, there are moments when desperate times demand unconventional actions. Driven by a mix of defiance and determination, the younger sibling makes a peculiar request—one that not only initiates the forthcoming adventure but also carries the weight of destiny’s imprint. This pivotal moment teaches a crucial lesson: the Monkey does not entertain requests.
Balancing Faithfulness and Impact: The Success of the “The Monkey”
This movie does a commendable job of staying true to the original tale. While there are some changes, the essence remains intact. The storyline is straightforward, with our main characters introduced early on, and the stakes are clear from the beginning. King excels at character development, which makes it easy to engage with the plot and get invested quickly. In this narrative, it’s not difficult to connect with a character and root for their success. The special effects are striking and abundant in gore, resulting in a gruesome feast. Watching it, I couldn’t help but think it could easily compete with “Final Destination.” The acting is strong, which is always a bonus.
A Different Shade of Horror
Perkins carried out his duties with a commendable level of effectiveness. The most striking difference, however, resides in the slightly muted undertone of his work. In stark contrast, King’s creations are audacious, unapologetic, and resolutely unflinching. Certain passages are capable of leaving one utterly speechless, mouth agape in sheer awe and bewilderment at the implausibility and disbelief that such words could spill forth from a pen. Yet spill forth they did, with relentless vigor. By comparison, Perkins’ approach feels more restrained and subdued, which, in its own right, is quite acceptable. Nevertheless, King remains irreplaceable, with a uniquely inimitable style, a true hallmark of literary genius.
Evil Without Rhyme or Reason: The Heart of Stephen King’s “The Monkey”
This film fulfills its purpose, capturing one of Stephen King’s core ideologies with precise clarity. At times, evil exists without rhyme or reason, lurking insidiously in the shadows. The real question, as King expressed in a 2013 CBS interview, lies not in the mere existence of evil, but in its origin.
For those who have yet to immerse themselves in the chilling nightmare that is “The Monkey,” it is presently accessible on video on demand, awaiting consumption.
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