Stephen King’s 'The Monkey' Earns Early Praise as a Grisly, Darkly Humorous Horror Film

Osgood Perkins’ adaptation of the 1980 short story garners acclaim for its inventive kills and emotional depth, with some critics divided on its tonal balance.

Early reviews for 'The Monkey' highlight its unique blend of gruesome horror and dark comedy, earning a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 21 critics so far.
Directed by Osgood Perkins, the film adapts Stephen King's short story about a cursed drumming monkey toy that triggers mysterious deaths.
Critics praise the film's brisk pace, creative death sequences, and emotional exploration of themes like family trauma and mortality.
While most reviews are positive, some critics find fault with the film's tonal inconsistencies and lack of narrative cohesion.
'The Monkey' is set to release in theaters on February 21, 2025, following its successful debut at Beyond Fest.