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The Monkey: A Reflection on Death’s Randomness

Spoiler Alert: This article contains spoilers for The Monkey.

Few filmmakers have seen their reputation transform as rapidly as Oz Perkins. With films like The Blackcoat’s Daughter and Gretel and Hansel gaining critical acclaim and a loyal following, Perkins ascended to a notable status in horror cinema. However, his mainstream breakthrough came with the release of Longlegs, a film that captivated audiences with its unsettling atmosphere, marking Perkins as a prominent name in the genre. Now, he returns to theaters with his latest film, The Monkey.

Inspired by a Stephen King short story, The Monkey diverges sharply from the mood established in Longlegs. This latest work showcases Perkins’ ability to blend dark humor with horror, utilizing its quirky premise to craft a narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The film’s complexity lies within its final moments, leaving audiences pondering the deeper implications of its conclusion.

Rating: 4/5

Release Date: February 19, 2025

Runtime: 98 Minutes

Director: Osgood Perkins

Writers: Osgood Perkins

Producers: John Rickard, Natalia Safran, Ali Jazayeri, Chris Ferguson, Fred Berger, Giuliana Bertuzzi, James Wan, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, John Friedberg, Jason Cloth, David Gendron, Michael Clear, Jesse Savath, Peter Luo, Dave Caplan

How Does ‘The Monkey’ End?

The plot centers on twin brothers Hal and Bill Shelburn (portrayed by Christian Convery as children and Theo James as adults) who stumble upon a wind-up monkey toy left by their father. A seemingly innocent plaything, the monkey’s key turns into a harbinger of death, with every winding leading to the violent demise of an unsuspecting victim. This grim revelation is starkly illustrated when Hal activates the toy, resulting in the tragic death of their mother, played by Tatiana Maslany.

Fast forward 25 years, and the brothers have drifted apart, each grappling with the lingering trauma of their shared past. Hal, in particular, takes measures to distance himself from his son Petey (Colin O’Brien), haunted by the fear that his misfortunes will plague the boy. As odd deaths unfold in their community, it soon becomes apparent that Bill has resurrected the cursed monkey, which he uses to seek vengeance against Hal.

Consumed by grief and blame, Bill attempts to manipulate events so that the toy kills Hal through Petey’s unwitting involvement. Unfortunately for Bill, the plan backfires, resulting in chaos and destruction in their town, ultimately culminating in his own tragic fate. In the film’s harrowing climax, Hal and Petey resolve to keep the monkey from further harm, only to encounter a ghostly figure that symbolizes the grim inevitability of death.

‘The Monkey’ Illustrates Death’s Random Nature

Although Perkins makes several modifications to King’s original narrative, both interpretations convey a poignant cautionary tale. The wind-up monkey signifies the capricious nature of death, choosing its victims without rationale or fairness. This theme of randomness is interwoven throughout the story, as the person operating the monkey has no control over the unfolding tragedy. Hal’s initial unwitting activation of the toy inadvertently leads to unforeseen consequences, exemplifying how life can take shocking turns regardless of our intentions.

Bill’s animosity towards Hal suggests an effort to impose meaning on an arbitrary event, as blaming another provides a semblance of agency in an otherwise chaotic world. Bill’s misguided attempts at vengeance further illustrate a desperate quest for control over his fate. Ironically, in his effort to master the chaos, Bill only exacerbates the situation, resulting in profound ramifications for those around him.

The film’s representation of the randomness of death becomes starkly evident in its closing scene. The appearance of Death, personified on a horse, harkens back to biblical imagery, underscoring the inevitability of mortality. This encounter between Hal, Petey, and the spectral rider indicates an understanding between them and the nature of fate; they may evade death for now, but it remains an ever-looming presence.

Ultimately, Hal’s acknowledgment of his fate symbolizes acceptance of life’s inherent unpredictability. As he and Petey confront the chilling reality of the monkey’s legacy, they come to terms with the limits of their control in a world governed by chance. The Monkey is now playing in theaters.

Source
movieweb.com