Director Osgood Perkins is back with his new project, “The Monkey,” an adaptation of Stephen King’s 1980 short story. This venture marks a departure from the serious tones of Perkins’ previous hits like “Longlegs.” Instead, he embraces a more whimsically disturbing narrative that explores the familiar fear surrounding sinister toys, a theme that anyone who’s watched classics like “Planet Of The Apes” or “Toy Story 3” can relate to.
Background and Overview
Osgood Perkins, known for his chilling cinematic style in films like “Gretel & Hansel” and “The Blackcoat’s Daughter,” is taking a decidedly lighter route with “The Monkey.” The movie is produced by Neon alongside a powerhouse team including James Wan, Dave Caplan, Michael Clear, Chris Ferguson, and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones. Its story is interwoven with dark humor, which provides an absurdist take on the haunted toy trope. Perkins likened the film’s tone to the works of John Landis, Joe Dante, and Robert Zemeckis, opting for a comedic portrayal of death’s absurdities rather than a serious horror narrative.
Cast and Production
The film has a promising ensemble cast with Theo James, Elijah Wood, Tatiana Maslany, Christian Convery, Colin O’Brien, Rohan Campbell, and Sarah Levy. This lineup, full of versatile talent, ensures that “The Monkey” will be anything but predictable. The film is set to premiere in theaters on February 21 but for those eager for a sneak peek, trailers are already teasing audiences with glimpses of its macabre wit.
Plot and Themes
Set against a backdrop where a mysterious entity from beyond the physical realm can cause chaotic destruction, “The Monkey” paints a picture where the line between life and death is hilariously blurred. Borrowing elements from twitchy toy horrors, the film spins a scenario where the controller of the monkey toy harnesses untimely doom. In typical Perkins fashion, fiery chaos ensues with at least one hibachi-related incident, and yes, a bloody attic likely reminiscent of a bizarre Spaghetti City restaurant is included.
Critical Insights
The film is being embraced as a new staple of comedic horror, promising to entertain audiences with a frothy mix of humor and horror. Given Perkins’ past work, it’s expected that the film will deliver the same kind of twisted intrigue but through a more sardonic lens. By injecting comedy into the grim narrative, he opens an avenue for reflection on the peculiar nature of mortality—what a riot of a concept.
Closing Credits
“The Monkey” is poised to offer a distinctive, laugh-charged entry to the horror-comedy genre. Blurring lines between chuckles and chills, Perkins’ experiment in genre-bending promises to capture imaginations—and perhaps foster a new fear of those clapping toy monkeys. The film’s theatrical release is set for February, likely bringing an entertaining wave of wry, nightmare-inducing absurdity to audiences. For those keen on an early look, the trailer is a spectacle in itself, hinting at the surreal experience Perkins has crafted.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
