The Monkey Has Good Kills, But No Soul
Briefly

In 'The Monkey,' Osgood Perkins adapts a Stephen King short story into a film packed with humorously grotesque deaths. Each kill is over-the-top, aiming for absurdity rather than fright, and showcasing the misfortunes of thinly-drawn characters, primarily twin brothers Hal and Bill. The movie's nihilistic tone is amplified by its focus on a cursed monkey toy, with chaotic visuals and unsettling music. However, it ultimately falters due to lackluster character development and emotional resonance, leaving some viewers indifferent despite its inventive gore and fast pacing.
The film showcases gory yet humorous deaths that evoke laughter more than fear, leaning more into black comedy than traditional horror. It’s designed for midnight screenings.
Though it boasts inventive kills and a tight runtime, the film struggles with weak character development and fails to elicit genuine emotional responses from the audience.
Read at Vulture
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