The Monkey is a supernatural horror thriller from Stephen King's hauntingly brief tale of the same name. Directed by Osgood Perkins, The Monkey brings to vivid life the ominous story of an evil cursed monkey machine that visits death and havoc on the very people who happen upon it. Blending elements of psychological terror and supernatural mayhem, The Monkey has something for everyone - suspense, mystery, and chills aplenty that will leave viewers squirming.
The movie takes two brothers who, as kids, find an antique, eerie wind-up monkey toy in their attic. They soon find out that each time the toy strikes its cymbals, someone dies in bizarre and gruesome ways. Horrified by its power, they get rid of it and try to move on with their lives. But years later, the haunted toy reappears, compelling them to face their past and reveal the sinister roots of its deadly power before it kills again. As they search for answers, they discover the curse is even more evil than they had suspected, culminating in a suspenseful and terrifying conclusion.
The Monkey performs well in adapting Stephen King's short story into a visually engaging horror movie. The tone is creepy, the performances are solid, and the tension builds continuously throughout. The application of practical effects and low CGI adds to the creepy realism of the haunted toy. While the movie uses some horror tropes of the classic variety, its emotional and psychological complexity place it as one of the best supernatural horror entries. Some people might find some parts slow-paced, though, since the tension is built at a steady pace.
If you are a Stephen King adaptation fan, or if slow-burn supernatural horror is more your thing, The Monkey should be on your watchlist. With its creeping atmosphere and build-up of suspense, it's a movie that stays with you long after it ends. Combine a frightening setup, good acting, and the creepy atmosphere that pervades everything, and we have a horror movie that stands the test.