Oz Perkins’ latest film, The Monkey, is generating significant buzz following its opening weekend at the box office, setting the stage for discussions about its horror-infused comedic take on childhood trauma.
Perkins, known for his successful prior project, Longlegs, which grossed around $75 million at the domestic box office, is hoping to capture similar attention with The Monkey. Released on February 21, 2025, this film adapts Stephen King's 1980 short story of the same name, offering audiences both humor and horror, as it narrates the harrowing experiences of twins terrorized by a supernatural toy monkey.
The film stars Theo James and Tatiana Maslany, with Adam Scott also playing a key role. Based on early reactions from both critics and audiences, expectations for The Monkey are high, though projections suggest it may not reach the financial peaks of its predecessor. The film's initial predictions estimate earnings of approximately $20 million, bolstered by its production budget of around $10 million.
Comparing scores from popular review platforms, both films received a C+ CinemaScore, indicating mixed feelings from audiences. On Rotten Tomatoes, The Monkey currently holds a score of 66%, slightly edging past Longlegs’ 61%. Yet, Longlegs boasts a higher critic score of 86% against The Monkey’s 77%. Despite this, both were deemed “certified fresh” by the platform, indicating overall favorable impressions.
Critics have pointed out Perkins’ tonal shift within this adaptation, which diverges from King’s original work for the sake of injecting dark humor alongside shocking moments of violence. The film's premise involves twin boys, Hal and Bill, who, through their tumultuous childhood, navigate their fierce encounters with the malevolent toy monkey, discovering its sinister influence and supernatural abilities.
Listeners tuning to The Next Best Picture Podcast have found this tonal change intriguing. The cast review offers insights on the film's writing, direction, and its mix of horror and comedy elements. One guest posed the question, "What did we think of this tonal change for the acclaimed horror filmmaker?" underscoring the high stakes involved in Perkins’ artistic evolution.
The storyline encapsulates the boys' distress stemming from their father’s abandonment and their mother’s tragic fate, which adds depth to the characters and elevates the narrative beyond traditional horror tropes. Although some changes have been made from the source material—such as adding depth to the boys’ childhood experiences and altering the father’s role—the core concept rests on the chilling legacy of the toy monkey left behind for them.
Among the film’s early scenes, Adam Scott portrays the boys’ father, Petey Shelburne. His fate raises several questions as he attempts to rid himself of the toy after realizing its danger. A startling scene depicts Petey bringing the monkey to a pawn shop, only for it to display its lethal capabilities by killing the shopkeeper. This moment sets the tone for the gripping supernatural horror the film embodies.
The intricacies surrounding Petey's character arch on the unresolved, occasionally insinuated fate, illuminating the persistent threat of the evil toy. This sense of uncertainty contributes to the narrative’s tension, as viewers grapple with the horrific consequences the boys face due to their childhood traumas.
Further complicity arises surrounding the suggestion of whether The Monkey has supernatural ties—not just to the boys, but also threatening their father’s existence. Will Petey's past actions serve as pivotal for future sequels or remaining storylines? Among fans, talk fills the air with possibilities, though current discussions regard his mysterious vanishing act as resolved, leaving potential for sequels unexplored.
Mastering horror comedy, The Monkey showcases Perkins’ ability to blend jump scares with moments of levity, resulting from surprising comedic interjections amid grotesque death scenes. Amidst such over-the-top scenes, James and Maslany reveal their favorites alongside director insights, creating dialogues about balancing horror and humor—an impressive feat warranting recognition.
Wrapping up with critics already weighing in on audience expectations, Perkins’ latest offering prompts reflections on its placement within the genre and narrative strength. The early box office numbers suggest The Monkey aims to build upon its director's legacy, standing apart yet cohesively associated with the roots of King’s gripping themes. Moviegoers can expect tension, terror, and potentially more stories surrounding the iconic evil toy if audience response remains favorable.