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The Monkey: A Unique Take on Stephen King’s Horror

The Monkey, the latest film adaptation of a Stephen King tale, is crafted by the visionary director Osgood Perkins, known for his distinctive style in the horror genre. This iteration stands apart from typical King adaptations, as it seamlessly blends dark humor with intense gore, presenting a chilling narrative about humanity’s complex relationship with death. Central to this bizarre story is a cursed toy—a wind-up monkey—that brings chaos through its relentless drumming.

Though the premise may seem outlandish, Perkins fully embraces this unorthodox direction, offering a fresh reinterpretation of a short story originally featured in King’s 1985 anthology, Skeleton Crew. Fans of King can rest assured that Perkins has preserved the core essence of the narrative, infusing it with a comedic twist while maintaining the haunting spirit characteristic of the author’s works. The film depicts a scenario in which the activated monkey toy has the potential to cause widespread destruction, effectively turning an innocent object into an instrument of terror.

While Perkins has made certain alterations to the source material, he cleverly includes subtle nods to King aficionados, ensuring that there are recognizable references throughout the film. One particularly notable inclusion is a peculiar allusion to the iconic character Annie Wilkes from King’s Misery, which seems slightly out of context for the overall storyline.

What Is ‘The Monkey’ About?

At the heart of The Monkey lies the story of Hal Shelburn, a young boy overshadowed by his twin brother, Bill, both characters brought to life by Christian Convery. The brothers live with their mother, lacking a father figure, when they stumble upon a disturbing relic from their father—a wind-up monkey toy that creates an eerie snare sound. After activating the toy, a series of horrific deaths ensue, igniting a whirlwind of fear and chaos.

In their desperation, Hal and Bill decide to bury the toy, thinking they’ve rid themselves of its curse. However, two decades later, Hal (now portrayed by Theo James) receives unsettling news about his aunt’s death, triggering memories of his childhood. As he reflects on his past, he suspects the cursed monkey might still be wreaking havoc, compelling him to confront unresolved traumas while preparing to spend a crucial weekend with his own son, Petey.

How Does ‘The Monkey’ Connect to the Stephen King Universe?

For keen-eyed viewers, The Monkey presents a notable connection to the broader Stephen King universe. One of the film’s early casualties is the brothers’ babysitter, who tragically meets her end at a gruesome dinner encounter. Her demise is particularly striking, involving a large chef’s knife, and when her identity is revealed during a darkly comedic funeral, it turns out she shares a name with a character very familiar to King fans—Annie Wilkes.

In Misery, Wilkes is depicted as a voraciously obsessive nurse, but in this film, she serves as a sweet yet doomed babysitter, lacking the sinister traits of Kathy Bates’ portrayal. This subtle reference, while delightful for devoted fans, doesn’t anchor the narrative in a direct connection to the original story.

Moreover, Perkins’ decision to include a nod to Mrs. Torrance, the twins’ sex-ed teacher, raises questions about potential ties to The Shining. However, it appears these references are more about appreciation for King’s legacy rather than attempting to create a convoluted crossover series.

While it’s tempting to search for expansive connections within the Stephen King mythos, the presence of these Easter eggs serves more to celebrate the author’s influence rather than hint at a larger cinematic universe. Nonetheless, The Monkey is now showing in theaters.

Source
movieweb.com