The Monkey: A Stephen King Adaptation Gone Bananas?

Stephen King adaptations are a dime a dozen, but Osgood Perkins’ take on the short story “The Monkey” seems to have divided audiences. Is it a chilling exploration of evil disguised as misfortune, or just a gory spectacle with a hollow core? Let’s dive into this twisted tale and see what makes this monkey business tick.

When Misfortune Strikes Like a Cymbal-Banging Primate

The story centers on a cursed toy monkey that unleashes a torrent of gruesome deaths with every bang of its cymbals. Twin brothers Hal and Bill find this malevolent plaything in their attic, and soon discover that its “music” is a harbinger of doom. Babysitters are decapitated, mothers suffer explosive brain hemorrhages, and aunts are immolated in a macabre symphony of carnage.

As the boys grow into adulthood (played by Theo James), the monkey’s curse continues to haunt Hal, leaving a trail of bloodshed in its wake. But is this truly evil at play, or just a series of unfortunate events?

King’s Vision vs. Perkins’ Execution

Stephen King, the master of horror, often explores the nature of evil and the randomness of fate in his works. In “The Monkey,” he suggests that what we perceive as evil may simply be misfortune disguised as a grinning, cymbal-banging primate.

However, director Osgood Perkins, known for his visually striking horror films like “Longlegs” and “The Blackcoat’s Daughter,” seems to revel in the gore and spectacle, perhaps losing sight of the deeper themes at play. This clash of creative visions results in a film that feels tonally disjointed, oscillating between moments of genuine creepiness and jarring attempts at dark humor.

A Tonally Confused Romp Through Gore and Groaners

Perkins tries to inject some levity into the narrative, but the humor often falls flat, feeling more like a mischievous child burning ants with a magnifying glass than a deliberate comedic touch. The result is a film that struggles to find its footing, wavering between nihilism and redemption, with King’s original message getting lost in the shuffle.

Despite its flaws, “The Monkey” has its moments. Adam Scott delivers a memorable performance as the panicked father trying to rid himself of the cursed toy, and a scene with a seemingly stoned priest delivering a hilariously inappropriate eulogy provides some unexpected laughs. However, these moments feel more like isolated gags than integral parts of a cohesive narrative.

A Missed Opportunity for Character Development

One of the film’s biggest shortcomings is its lack of character development. The characters feel more like archetypes than fully realized individuals, and their motivations often remain unclear. This shallowness prevents the audience from forming a meaningful connection with the characters, making it difficult to truly care about their fates.

The film also suffers from a jarring shift in focus as Hal grows up. What starts as a coming-of-age story abruptly transforms into a tale of a troubled father struggling to protect his son from the monkey’s curse. This sudden change in direction feels disorienting and undermines the film’s emotional impact.

A Visual Feast with an Empty Stomach

While “The Monkey” may lack depth and thematic coherence, it’s undeniably a visual treat. Perkins’s eye for atmospheric horror is evident in every frame, with stunning cinematography and haunting visuals that create a sense of unease. However, these visual flourishes can’t compensate for the film’s narrative shortcomings.

In the end, “The Monkey” feels like a missed opportunity. It’s a film with impressive visuals and moments of genuine horror, but its lack of character development, tonal inconsistencies, and muddled message prevent it from reaching its full potential. Perhaps it’s a film best enjoyed for its gruesome spectacle, but those seeking a deeper exploration of King’s themes may be left feeling disappointed.

Would I recommend it? It depends. If you’re a die-hard Stephen King fan or a horror aficionado who enjoys visually striking films, “The Monkey” might be worth a watch. However, if you’re looking for a film with compelling characters and a thought-provoking narrative, you might want to look elsewhere.