When twin brothers Bill and Hal stumble upon their father’s cursed wind-up monkey toy, their lives spiral into a blood-soaked nightmare. The Monkey (2025), directed by Osgood Perkins (Longlegs), blends gruesome horror with dark humor, delivering a Stephen King adaptation that’s as entertaining as it is flawed.
A Killer Toy with a Dark Legacy
The film follows Hal and Bill (both played by Theo James) as they uncover a sinister toy monkey in their attic—one that triggers a series of grotesque deaths every time it clangs its cymbals. After a childhood marred by tragedy, the brothers discard the toy, only for it to resurface 25 years later, forcing them to reunite and confront its deadly curse .
What Works?
- Theo James’ Dual Performance – His portrayal of both brothers adds emotional weight to an otherwise chaotic plot.
- Creative Death Scenes – Fans of Final Destination-style gore will appreciate the over-the-top kills.
- Dark Humor & Atmosphere – The film balances horror and comedy, though some critics argue it undercuts tension .
What Doesn’t?
- Uneven Pacing – The third act feels rushed, leaving some character arcs unresolved.
- Tonal Shifts – Some viewers found the mix of horror and satire jarring .
Where to Watch? OTT Release & Streaming Details
| Platform | Release Date | Purchase/Rental |
|---|---|---|
| PVOD (Prime Video, Apple TV, etc.) | April 4, 2025 | $19.99 (Rent) / $24.99 (Buy) |
| Hulu (US) | Expected Late 2025 | Subscription Required |
| 4K Blu-ray/DVD | June 24, 2025 | $18.97 (DVD) / $25.96 (4K) |
Note: Hulu has an exclusive streaming deal with Neon, so expect it there after PVOD .
Final Verdict: Should You Watch?
The Monkey isn’t a masterpiece, but it’s a wild ride for horror-comedy fans. If you love cursed objects, absurd deaths, and Theo James in dual roles, this is worth a watch. Just don’t expect deep lore—sometimes, a killer monkey is just a killer monkey.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3/5) – A Fun, Flawed Horror Romp
Will you be watching? Let us know in the comments! And if you’ve seen it, did the monkey’s curse get under your skin? 🐵🔪
(Sources: IMDb, Forbes, Newsweek, WhenToStream)