There has been no shortage over the years of movie and TV adaptations of Stephen King’s many books, novellas and short stories. Some, like CARRIE, THE SHINING, CUJO, STAND BY ME, MISERY, THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION and IT, have all been stellar, and many of these films are seen as film classics today. Others like SALEM’S LOT, which came out in late 2024, did not resonate as well with audiences and critics, and they are perhaps best left forgotten or at least until they are adapted again, which they will be. Horror filmmaker Osgood Perkins (LONGLEGS) has now thrown his hat into the ring with a film adaptation of King’s short story from 1980, THE MONKEY.

Identical twin brothers Hal and Bill Shelburn (Christian Convery, COCAINE BEAR) find a wind-up, drum-playing toy monkey (don’t call it a “toy”!) belonging to their estranged father, and they are naturally curious to see if it still works. When Hal turns the key, it sets in motion a series of gory deaths that tears their family apart. Twenty-five years later, Hal (now played by Theo James, TV’s THE WHITE LOTUS) is estranged from not just Bill but also his ex-wife and teenaged son Petey (Colin O’Brien, WONKA). Hal’s self-imposed once-a-year visit with Petey is thrown into turmoil when the monkey suddenly reappears along with more bizarre deaths, each one more outlandish than the last. It forces Hal to reconnect with Bill in order to confront the cursed “toy” once and for all.

If you’ve read Stephen King’s story, you know that it’s quite different from the film’s synopsis. That’s not to say that one is better than the other. It’s just that they’re different. Perkins takes a humorous approach to the source material, turning each death into a Wile E. Coyote-like spectacle. These are the fun parts of the film and Perkins drops a few Easter eggs along the way to make it even more entertaining for King fans. He’s also making a comment about parenthood and generational trauma but those messages get overshadowed by the gore and blood splatter. Sadly, outside of the laughs, the film goes nearly moribund as James doesn’t have the screen charisma to carry the story along to the next macabre death. This roller coaster of highs and lows makes for an unsatisfying viewing experience.

THE MONKEY opens in Hong Kong on Thursday, March 20th. It’s not a terrible film. It’s just not as funny or as witty as it thinks it is. Save it for when it goes to the streaming services.

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