The Monkey is an upcoming American horror-comedy film, set to bring Stephen King’s classic short story to life. Directed by Osgood Perkins and featuring a stellar cast including Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, Christian Convery, Colin O’Brien, Rohan Campbell, Sarah Levy, and Elijah Wood, this adaptation is poised to deliver a chilling yet comedic cinematic experience. The film is scheduled for release in U.S. theaters on February 21, 2025, courtesy of Neon.
Plot Overview: Based on Stephen King’s 1980 short story, The Monkey centers on twin brothers Hal and Bill who discover a vintage toy monkey in their father’s attic. This seemingly innocent toy sets off a chain of terrifying deaths, forcing the brothers to confront the curse attached to it. Attempting to escape its grip, they discard the monkey and go their separate ways. Years later, the deaths inexplicably resurface, compelling the brothers to reunite and find a way to destroy the cursed toy once and for all.
The film promises a mix of horrifying moments and dark humor, staying true to King’s iconic storytelling style while incorporating modern twists.
The Monkey Age Rating: R
The Motion Picture Association has rated The Monkey R (Restricted). This rating indicates that viewers under 17 require accompanying parent or adult guardian due to the film’s strong and mature content.
The Monkey Parents Guide
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what parents should know before allowing younger audiences to watch The Monkey:
Violence and Gore: The movie features intense and graphic scenes of violence, in line with its horror theme. Several deaths occur on-screen, often involving bloody and gruesome depictions. The cursed monkey toy plays a central role in triggering violent deaths, including accidents and unexplained fatal injuries. Scenes of physical attacks and gore are frequent and vividly portrayed.
Language: Expect strong and pervasive language throughout the film, including frequent use of profanity. The dialogue includes explicit words that might not be suitable for younger viewers.
Sexual References: The film contains some sexual references and discussions that, while not explicit, are mature in nature. There are no prolonged or explicit sexual scenes, but suggestive content is present in parts of the dialogue and narrative.
Scary and Intense Scenes: The cursed toy monkey’s presence creates an atmosphere of dread, with many jump scares and chilling sequences. The concept of a toy causing deaths might be particularly unsettling for children or sensitive viewers. Themes of supernatural curses, death, and reconciliation add to the emotional intensity.
Substance Use: There are minor scenes involving adult characters drinking alcohol or smoking, although substance use is not a major focus.
Who Should Watch This Film?
The Monkey is primarily aimed at adult and mature teenage audiences who enjoy horror films with a comedic edge. Its Stephen King roots and compelling cast make it a must-watch for fans of supernatural thrillers and dark humor. However, due to the explicit content, parents should carefully consider whether it’s appropriate for viewers under 17.
Final Thoughts
The Monkey (2025) combines the haunting brilliance of Stephen King’s story with Osgood Perkins’ unique directorial vision. While the film offers an intriguing plot and a stellar cast, its intense violence, language, and mature themes make it unsuitable for younger audiences. For fans of King’s work or those seeking a horror film with comedic elements, The Monkey promises to deliver a memorable cinematic experience.
Mark your calendars for February 21, 2025, when the cursed monkey will make its big-screen debut. Prepare for a chilling yet entertaining ride!