Stephen King fans can look forward to a new cinematic treat. The first wave of reviews for the film Monkey, based on the master of horror's short story, promises a thrilling and bloody spectacle that has already impressed critics.
Director Oz Perkins has taken on the adaptation of this unsettling story, centered around a cursed toy — a mechanical monkey that brings death and destruction to anyone nearby. The story focuses on two brothers who try to rid themselves of the sinister artifact.
What Are the Critics Saying?
First and foremost, the film has garnered praise for its bold approach. In her X Collider critic Perri Nemiroff called Monkey a “bloody blast” highlighting its intense killing scenes and unique directorial vision:
“A super-bloody explosion. A nearly non-stop series of gleefully violent kill scenes that well earn every “holy sh*t” response they got out of me. Loved how quickly Oz Perkins cements that this is a version of the Stephen King short story that’s uniquely his own.”
Some critics compared the film to iconic horror classics like Final Destination. Eric Goldman in his X noted that Monkey is a "creepily funny horror" that will delight fans with its bloody but inventive scenes.
Why Should You Watch It?
Monkey stands out for its mood, blending dark horror, black humor, and a memorable aesthetic. Critics have praised the director for skillfully playing with the audience's emotions, making them laugh while also covering their eyes from the tension.
Critic Drew Taylor called it "one of the most exciting entertainments in theaters":
“funny, scary, poignant and so, so fun. A rare movie that can be compared to Gremlins in terms of giddy chaos”.
Monkey hits theaters on February 21, and judging by the early reviews, it is set to become one of the most striking King adaptations in recent years. Don't miss the chance to see how the master of horror comes alive again on the big screen.
