Spoilers dance to the beat of their own drums.

Apparently we’re on a roll here with horror comedies. However this one is definitely more of a dark comedy where horror is the punchline. I applaud the filmmakers for taking this creative choice, not because it’s original but because it’s rather niche. If you’re looking for comedy or meta-horror commentary, this is not it. It’s definitely on the more sinister and cynical side. Let’s see if this slays.

(Credit: NEON)

The Monkey (2025) is written and directed by Osgood Perkins, based on the short story by Stephen King. Young mother Lois (Tatiana Maslany) has been left alone to raise her twin sons Hal and Bill (both played by Christian Convery). The two brothers barely get along, with Bill constantly berating and setting up Hal for humiliation. While the two kids are digging in their father’s things, they find a wind-up toy monkey that plays the drums. The toy has a rather sinister vibe about it.

Very soon it becomes obvious that winding up the toy seems to set a curse upon someone in their extended family, causing their impending death by ways of a freak accident. Enraged by being the constant target of ridicule set upon by his twin brother. Hal decides he cannot take it any longer. Hoping to somehow direct the toy’s curse towards his selfish sibling, Hal turns the key. Unfortunately this spells tragedy in a different direction.

The brothers easily become estranged to each other. After a lifetime apart, adult Hal (Theo James) is picking up his son Petey (Colin O’Brien), a child that Hal has kept at a distance. It’s obvious that Hal think he’s sparing him the family curse but it’s obvious that Petey is smarter and more resourceful than Hal and Bill ever were as kids. Or adults. Unfortunately Hal gets a call from Bill (also Theo James) letting him know that their last relative has passed away and the monkey is still out there. The curse continues, stronger than before.

It does work as an offbeat, pitch dark comedy where horror is always the punchline. There’s never an explanation or a moment in which some old wizened wizard shows up to explain how it works or why or offer a way out. You never see anything moving by itself. It’s just something swinging, breaking or coming loose before the gore starts flying. It’s a very niche take on both comedy and horror. The ending feels bland, as it leaves stuff mostly unresolved. Anybody expecting a complete explanation will be disappointed.

Recommended for a niche audience with a twisted and dark sense of humour. Casual audiences might want to steer clear of this one. I think it should find its own appreciative audience, although it will definitely not be the mainstream’s cup of tea. Worth a watch for the twisted audience that will like it.

That will do for now.