Stephen King’s ‘The Monkey’ Receives Mixed Reviews from Critics

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The horror adaptation of Stephen King’s 1980 short story, “The Monkey,” directed by Osgood Perkins, has sparked mixed reactions from critics upon its recent release. Following the success of Perkins’ previous film, “Longlegs,” expectations were high, but the new project has been described as ham-fisted and lacking depth.

In “The Monkey,” twin brothers Hal and Bill discover a sinister monkey toy that brings about gruesome deaths whenever activated. The film opens with an airline pilot (played by Adam Scott) entering a pawn shop covered in blood while trying to sell the ominous toy. Critics have noted that Perkins opted for a blunt, snarky tone rather than the subtle creepiness that characterized his earlier work.

The film’s narrative struggles with character development, particularly between the twins, portrayed by Christian Convery. Critics argue that the on-screen relationship is one-dimensional, noting how the character Bill embodies a stereotypical bully without layers that could evoke empathy.

Perkins’ adaptation appears to shift towards a more flamboyant horror style, filled with exaggerated deaths. The film presents scenes such as a pawn shop clerk being impaled by a spear and a character named Uncle Chip being trampled by horses, leading some to feel that the movie leans too heavily on shock value rather than meaningful storytelling.

While some critics appreciated the operatic nature of the killings, comparisons were made to past slasher films that successfully balanced gore with narrative. The lack of originality in these deaths has left audiences wanting more substance, as Jeffrey M. Anderson from Commonsense Media remarks, “The Monkey lacks the freakish, imaginative spirit of its predecessors.”

In light of the movie’s poor reception, Perkins seems to have stumbled in his latest endeavor. Despite having a promising start with the praise received for “Longlegs,” “The Monkey” fails to capture the same critical acclaim or audience intrigue. Osgood Perkins is known for his style, yet this film’s execution raises questions about thematic depth and engaging content.

The overall sentiment is clear: while horror fans may find merit in its wild premise and stylistic choices, many agree that “The Monkey” may not find its intended audience. Critics suggest that, despite its association with an established horror icon like Stephen King, the film is unlikely to maintain long-term interest.