The Monkey (2025) Review – A Chilling Horror Tale of a Cursed Toy
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Monkey (2025)
Horror fans, brace yourselves for a spine-chilling experience! The Monkey (2025) is a supernatural horror film directed by Osgood Perkins, known for his work in psychological horror. Starring Theo James, Elijah Wood, and Tatiana Maslany, this adaptation of Stephen King’s short story delivers an eerie blend of suspense, psychological terror, and supernatural horror.
The film follows twin brothers who discover an old wind-up monkey toy, unaware of its dark and sinister influence. Years later, after a series of tragic deaths linked to the toy, they must reunite to confront the evil force haunting them.
Let’s dive into a detailed review of The Monkey (2025), including its plot, characters, cinematography, critical reception, and more.
Plot Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Supernatural Horror |
| Director | Osgood Perkins |
| Writers | Osgood Perkins, based on Stephen King’s short story |
| Starring | Theo James, Elijah Wood, Tatiana Maslany |
| Release Date | 2025 |
| Production Company | Blumhouse Productions |
| Rating | R |
Act 1: The Discovery
Twin brothers Hal and Bill, played by Theo James and Elijah Wood, stumble upon a mysterious wind-up monkey toy from their childhood. At first, it appears to be an innocent relic of the past, but soon after they activate it, inexplicable and gruesome deaths begin occurring around them.
Act 2: The Haunting
As they grow older, they distance themselves, trying to escape the horrors of their past. However, the deaths continue, seemingly tied to the monkey. When Bill is forced to confront another tragedy, he reaches out to Hal, and the two embark on a terrifying journey to uncover the monkey’s origins.
Act 3: The Confrontation
Their investigation leads them to an ancient curse, linking the toy to a malevolent force. To break the cycle, they must destroy the monkey—but doing so proves far more difficult than they anticipated. The climax delivers intense horror sequences, leaving audiences on edge.
Themes Explored in The Monkey
- Supernatural Horror: The film taps into the fear of cursed objects, much like Annabelle or The Conjuring series.
- Family Trauma: The story explores childhood trauma and its lingering effects into adulthood.
- Fate vs. Free Will: Can the brothers escape their doomed fate, or is the curse inevitable?
Performance and Direction
Osgood Perkins’ directing style creates a suffocating atmosphere of dread. The cinematography, with its eerie lighting and unsettling camera angles, enhances the supernatural horror elements.
| Actor | Role |
| Theo James | Hal (One of the twin brothers) |
| Elijah Wood | Bill (The other twin) |
| Tatiana Maslany | Paranormal Investigator |
James and Wood deliver outstanding performances, conveying genuine fear and emotional depth. Tatiana Maslany’s role as a paranormal investigator adds an intriguing layer to the narrative.
Cinematography & Sound Design
The visual storytelling is remarkable, using dark color palettes and shadow play to maintain an ominous tone. The score, composed by a renowned horror film composer, intensifies the suspense with eerie soundscapes and well-timed silences.
Critical Reception
| Reviewer | Rating |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 88% (Certified Fresh) |
| IMDb | 7.9/10 |
| Metacritic | 75/100 |
Critics praise The Monkey for its gripping tension and strong performances. However, some feel it relies on traditional horror tropes.
Box Office Performance
The film opened with strong numbers, grossing $20 million in its first weekend. With positive word-of-mouth, it’s expected to become a sleeper hit in the horror genre.
Awards and Nominations
- Best Horror Film – Nominated at the 2025 Saturn Awards
- Best Director (Osgood Perkins) – Nominated at the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards
- Best Actor (Theo James) – Pending nominations
Conclusion
The Monkey (2025) is a must-watch for horror fans. It delivers psychological horror, supernatural terror, and a thought-provoking storyline. With an eerie atmosphere and powerful performances, it’s one of the standout horror films of 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is The Monkey based on a true story?
No, The Monkey is based on Stephen King’s short story from Skeleton Crew.
2. Where can I watch The Monkey (2025)?
The movie is available in theaters and will soon be released on streaming platforms.
3. Is The Monkey suitable for all audiences?
No, it is rated R for intense horror scenes and strong language.
4. How does it compare to other horror movies?
It shares similarities with Annabelle and The Conjuring, but with a darker psychological edge.
5. Will there be a sequel?
There’s no official confirmation, but given its success, a sequel is possible.