‘The Monkey,’ directed by Oz Perkins is a horror-comedy adaptation of Stephen King’s short story. The film centers on twin brothers who discover a cursed toy monkey that triggers fatal events when activated.
Theo James portrays both adult twins, while Christian Convery plays their younger selves. The cast also includes Tatiana Maslany, Elijah Wood, and Adam Scott in supporting roles.
Perkins uses a mix of wide shots to establish ominous settings and sharp, sudden cuts during horror sequences to heighten the impact of the cursed toy monkey. The monkey’s cymbals create a chilling and memorable motif that heightens the movie’s supernatural tension that feels both old-school and original. This auditory cue effectively signals impending doom, creating a Pavlovian dread for both the characters and the audience!
Overall, ‘The Monkey’ successfully channels Stephen King’s horror vision, combining his classic themes with a modern, darkly comedic edge. I think it’s a fun watch!