The Monkey

2025 - 2 - 21

Do You Dare to Meet 'The Monkey'? Double Trouble Awaits! 🎭🐒

film reviews - horror comedy - Osgood Perkins - Stephen King - The Monkey - Theo James - toy monkey

Theo James is back with a bang in 'The Monkey' where horror meets hilarity! ⚰️🎉

Get ready for some double trouble as Theo James takes on a daring dual role in the highly anticipated horror-comedy, 'The Monkey'. Following a string of successful performances in 'The White Lotus' and 'The Gentlemen', James dives into the fright-filled world of Osgood Perkins' adaptation of a Stephen King short story. With a set-up that includes a blood-soaked airline pilot desperate to rid himself of a cursed wind-up toy monkey, you know you're in for a wild ride! As viewers are drawn into the twisted tale, they’ll learn that this creepy little toy is anything but harmless, with gory antics that will have you laughing and gasping in equal measures.

What makes 'The Monkey' even more intriguing is how it plays with the expectations of the horror genre while injecting a hefty dose of comedy. James, portraying identical twin brothers, discovers the humor amid their horrific predicaments, transforming fear into laughter. In interviews, he has shared his own unease with the malevolent toy, adding authenticity to his characters’ freakouts. It's this blend of chills and chuckles that makes the film stand out — it’s like if you dropped a pint of Guinness at a horror buffet and left everyone shocked and amused!

Following its premiere, early box office predictions suggest that 'The Monkey' might swing to impressive heights, potentially securing the best opening weekend for a horror film this year. With $1.9M already collected during previews, it’s clear that horror aficionados and comedy lovers alike are eager to get a taste of the madness. It seems that Neon has struck gold with this adaptation, giving filmgoers something to chatter about around the water cooler.

Horror fans aren't just in for scares; they’re also getting a masterclass in how to blend genres. Osgood Perkins has a knack for creating unsettling atmospheres while injecting relatable humor into dismal situations — a formula he first showcased in his previous works, such as 'Longlegs'. Just like horror aficionados hoard their popcorn, audiences are likely to eat up this fresh take on the classic Stephen King narrative.

As if the tale of 'The Monkey' isn’t zany enough, did you know that the movie is not alone in featuring creepy toys? Movies like 'Child's Play' have made a decade-long career out of scaring the socks off audiences with seemingly innocent objects! Plus, Theo James’s knack for playing dual roles in the film underscores his versatility as an actor, showcasing how he balances horror and humor with style. Get ready – this film is bound to bring both screams and laughs as it grips the audience in a delightfully unnerving embrace!

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Image courtesy of "Los Angeles Times"

Theo James arrives in 'The Monkey' — twice (Los Angeles Times)

After 'The White Lotus' and 'The Gentlemen," the British-born actor takes his biggest risk yet in a dual role that doubles down on terror and comedy.

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Image courtesy of "Irish Examiner"

Film Reviews: The Monkey doesn't exactly burden itself with concern ... (Irish Examiner)

Adapted from a Stephen King short story, the film opens with a blood-soaked airline pilot attempting to get rid of a toy monkey in a pawn shop, only to die in ...

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Image courtesy of "NPR"

In 'The Monkey' the goring is never boring (NPR)

In the new horror-comedy The Monkey, Theo James plays a pair of identical twin brothers who get saddled with a cursed wind-up toy monkey that causes people ...

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Image courtesy of "The New York Times"

Like Us, Theo James Is Freaked Out by the Toy in 'The Monkey' (The New York Times)

The actor discusses playing twins in Osgood Perkins's horror film, finding humor in dark situations and why that monkey is so, so creepy.

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Image courtesy of "ABC News"

Review: 'The Monkey' doesn't disappoint even if it never quite ... (ABC News)

Just the idea of a Stephen King story in the hands of writer-director Oz Perkins, who creeped us out big time with Nic Cage in "Longlegs," gives me shivers ...

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Image courtesy of "Deadline"

'The Monkey' Swings To Neon's Second-Best Previews Ever With ... (Deadline)

Neon's The Monkey is on its way to posting the best opening for a horror movie YTD with $12M-$14M this weekend after $1.9M previews.

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Image courtesy of "Polygon"

The Monkey is the opposite of Longlegs — and most modern horror (Polygon)

'Osgood Perkins' appears in sharp, thick print across the promotional materials for The Monkey, the latest adaptation of the Stephen King story about a toy ...

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Image courtesy of "Plugged In"

The Monkey (Plugged In)

Positive Elements | Spiritual Elements | Sexual & Romantic Content | Violent Content | Crude or Profane Language | Drug & Alcohol Content | Other Noteworthy ...

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Image courtesy of "Washington City Paper"

The Monkey Makes a Sick Joke of Death (Washington City Paper)

In his follow-up to Longlegs, Osgood Perkins opts for a gruesome black comedy that will make you cackle, gasp, and squeam.

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Image courtesy of "Los Angeles Times"

'The Monkey' review: 'Longlegs' director goes gory, cartoonish (Los Angeles Times)

Directed by Osgood Perkins, who broke out with the ominous 'Longlegs,' his follow-up is jokier and less effective, piercing the jugular with splatter gags.

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Image courtesy of "KCCI Des Moines"

Movie Review: 'The Monkey' (KCCI Des Moines)

Twin pre-teen brothers Hal and Bill (both played by Christian Convery) are being raised by a single mom, Lois (Tatiana Maslany). Their father abandoned the ...

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Image courtesy of "Variety"

Osgood Perkins on Making 'The Monkey' with Blood and 'Guts ... (Variety)

"Longlegs" filmmaker Osgood Perkins adapted Stephen King's story "The Monkey," starring Theo James as twin brothers haunted by a cursed wind-up toy.

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Image courtesy of "Forbes"

'The Monkey' Reviews: Are Critics Going Ape For New Horror ... (Forbes)

The Monkey”—“Longlegs” director Osgood Perkins' latest horror film—is new in theaters. How are critics reacting to it?

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Image courtesy of "IndieWire"

'The Monkey' Explained: Oz Perkins on Meaning of Toy Monkey Horror (IndieWire)

The 'Longlegs' writer/director talks to IndieWire about his career, Stephen King, and the origins of his toy monkey with no backstory in 'The Monkey.'

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Image courtesy of "NPR"

In 'The Monkey' the goring is never boring (NPR)

[UPBEAT MUSIC]. GLEN WELDON: In the new horror-comedy, The Monkey, a pair of identical twin brothers get settled with a cursed wind-up toy monkey that ...

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Image courtesy of "IGN Nordic"

This Movie Ripped off Stephen King's The Monkey Long Before Its ... (IGN Nordic)

They're also supernatural situations intertwined with Death's plans. There are murderous doll movies aplenty, and you can trace cymbal-banging monkey toys back ...

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