The Monkey, the latest adaptation of Stephen King’s work, has taken the box office by storm since its release.
Directed by Osgood Perkins, known for his successful thriller Longlegs, The Monkey debuted on February 19, 2025, and has quickly climbed to become NEON’s third highest-grossing film.
The movie is based on King’s short story from the 1985 collection Skeleton Crew and follows twin brothers Hal and Bill as they confront a deadly wind-up monkey from their past that reignites a series of gruesome deaths.
Opening at No. 2 on its release with a domestic haul of $14 million, the film managed to stay in the Top 5 box office for three straight weekends. As of March 22, 2025, it has earned a worldwide total of $58.5 million, surpassing the total gross of I, Tonya, which collected $53.8 million.
Per The Numbers, this makes The Monkey not just a success in terms of revenue but a significant entry in NEON’s catalog, joining Longlegs and Parasite as its top three films.
The Monkey's plot centers around a cursed toy monkey, which, when activated, brings about bizarre and violent deaths, creating a unique blend of horror and comedy.
Fans of Stephen King will appreciate the film’s homage to the author’s horror legacy, which has inspired many adaptations over the years. King's original storytelling has always provided a rich ground for filmmakers, and The Monkey builds on that foundation.
Unlike several adaptations, which have transformed King’s more traditional horror tropes into modern reinterpretations, The Monkey sticks closely to the spirit of the original story. Critics have noted how it captures both the absurdity and seriousness of King’s work, with plenty of humor found amidst the horror.
Osgood Perkins, the director, has once again proved his ability to blend genres, much like his previous work. The tones of horror and humor are deftly woven together, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats while prompting them to chuckle at the ludicrous nature of the deaths depicted.
Notable is the way The Monkey intertwines themes of family relationships, which adds depth to the plot. In this film, Hal and Bill, played by Theo James, are drawn back together through their shared trauma and blood ties, with the malicious monkey acting as a catalyst for their reunion. This familial focus gives the film more emotional weight than a conventional horror flick.
The Monkey has also sparked comparisons to other horror franchises, particularly James Wan’s The Conjuring series, where audiences have spotted references to King’s iconic work. Though it never directly mentions King’s creation, there are eerie similarities between the toy monkey seen in The Conjuring films and King’s original character, which enriches the cinematic universe.
In The Conjuring, the toy monkey lurks within Ed and Lorraine Warren’s occult museum, hinting that it shares a legacy with the cursed objects that the Warrens encounter. This reflects how King’s influence permeates modern horror cinema, establishing a narrative thread bridging various film worlds.
While The Monkey is primarily positioned as a horror/comedy, its self-awareness and clever dialogue create moments of levity amidst the gruesome acts. Critics have pointed out that while the film’s tone may seem less serious compared to Perkins' previous work, it still serves to entertain and engage audiences while paying homage to King.
Overall, The Monkey is not just about blood and goofiness; it explores the complexities of human relationships as the brothers confront their shared past. The film encourages viewers to laugh in the face of danger while reflecting on deeper family ties.
As audiences flock to theaters, early buzz suggests that The Monkey is inspiring both fans of King and newcomers alike to delve into his stories, raising awareness of his lesser-known works, including the original short story that inspired the film.
Not only has The Monkey made its mark at the box office, becoming a vital part of NEON's portfolio, but it also supports the ongoing resurgence of horror films, particularly those drawn from classic literature. It’s an exciting time for fans of horror, and with The Monkey’s success, we may soon see more adaptations of Stephen King's catalog making their way to the big screen.
