The Monkey 2025 Review: A Wild, Horror-Comedy Ride

Today, I’m sharing my review of The Monkey 2025, which is an adaptation of a Stephen King short story of the same name, which is equal parts horror and absurd comedy. I’m breaking it down into 10 key points to show you what works, what doesn’t, and how the film takes wild creative liberties with its source material.

I also did a review of the Salem’s Lot 2024 movie adaptation, so check that out along with my list of the scariest Stephen King books and my list of must-read books by Stephen King.

A Genre Mash-Up That Doesn’t Take Itself Too Seriously

Right from the start, The Monkey 2025 makes it clear that it’s a horror comedy with a playful spirit.

• Tone & Attitude: The film revels in its gleeful tone, embracing absurdity over sustained terror.
• Directorial Approach: Director Osgood Perkins openly admits to taking creative liberties with Stephen King’s short story, turning a traditional horror narrative into a fun, chaotic experiment.

Creative Liberties Galore

One of the most striking aspects of the film is how far it deviates from King’s original tale.

• Reimagined Plot: Perkins reworks the story with fresh plot twists and altered character relationships, injecting more chaos than expected.
• Experimentation: The movie seems to enjoy playing with the concept of a cursed toy, leading to unpredictable and off-the-wall scenarios.

The Killer Kills: Creative Death Scenes

If there’s one thing that really stands out, it’s the film’s inventive approach to death.

• Running Gag: Every time the cursed monkey’s key is turned, a new, shockingly creative death unfolds—from a cobra on a golf course to a fatal espresso machine mishap.
• Impact: These death scenes are both gruesome and darkly humorous, making them one of the film’s biggest strengths.

A Rethink of Family Dynamics

The film isn’t just about horror and humor—it also redefines family dynamics.

• Character Relationships: Unlike the straightforward family setup in the original story, Hal’s estrangement from his family and the bitter rivalry with his brother Bill add a deeper emotional layer.
• Parental Focus: Hal’s struggle to protect his child, Petey, becomes a poignant subplot that grounds the otherwise outrageous narrative.

The Monkey as the Unlikely Star

Let’s talk about the titular character—the cursed monkey.

• Elevated Role: While originally a creepy background element, the monkey here is given star status, driving much of the film’s chaos and unpredictability.
• Plot Driver: Its random key-turning becomes a major plot device, though at times it shifts focus away from the human drama.

Shifting the Role of Supporting Characters

Supporting characters get a makeover too.

• Bill’s Transformation: Bill, once a background figure, becomes a central villain with a newfound obsession with the monkey.
• Expanded Backstories: Family figures like Hal’s mother receive more screen time and emotional depth, though sometimes these moments are undercut by the film’s overall absurd tone.

Visual Style: A Mixed Bag

Visually, the film delivers both hits and misses.

• Atmospheric Moments: There are moments of brilliant cinematography with eerie, shadow-filled shots reminiscent of classic Stephen King atmospheres.
• Inconsistency: At other times, abrupt shifts to overlit scenes break the mood, leaving you wondering if the film can decide its own identity.

Humor: The Double-Edged Sword

The humor is as defining as it is risky.

• Offbeat Comedy: The film’s absurd, off-the-wall humor keeps things fresh—think random dialogue and bizarre scenarios that make you chuckle unexpectedly.
• Tone Clash: However, this humor can sometimes undercut the more dramatic, emotional beats, creating a jarring experience when the film shifts into darker territory.

Pacing: Fast and Fragmented

Pacing is another mixed aspect of the movie.

• Rapid-Fire Editing: Unlike King’s slow-burn storytelling, the film zips along, resulting in isolated scenes rather than a cohesive narrative arc.
• Emotional Depth: This brisk pace can dilute the emotional impact and thematic depth that the original story is known for.

Overall Impact: A Wild Ride with Mixed Results

So, what’s the final word on The Monkey 2025?

• Bold and Unpredictable: It’s a film that’s daring and unpredictable, with inventive death scenes and a fresh, irreverent take on Stephen King’s story.
• Mixed Feelings: While its offbeat humor and rapid pace make for an entertaining experience, the film sometimes struggles to balance its horror and comedy elements, leaving you with a sense that it’s having too much fun at the expense of emotional resonance.

The Monkey 2025 Review Final Thoughts

To wrap it up, The Monkey 2025 is a bold, creative, and ultimately mixed bag of a film. It offers a fresh, irreverent take on Stephen King’s original tale with some of the most inventive kill scenes I’ve ever seen. But if you’re a purist craving the slow, methodical dread of classic horror, you might find yourself longing for more depth.

I’d love to hear what you think—does the film’s blend of horror and humor hit the mark for you, or do you miss the traditional King touch?