I Didn’t Realize The Monkey Was Funny, And That Surprise Made The Stephen King Adaptation Even Better

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Even though it might seem strange, I must admit that I misconstrued the nature of the assignment concerning “The Monkey“. Somehow, I managed to dodge all the trailers, a plethora of TopMob’s articles about the latest Stephen King adaptation, and virtually everything that has been discussed about it since its inclusion in the 2025 movie schedule a few months back. I had assumed it would be pure horror, but Osgood Perkins’ interpretation of the 1980 short story turned out to be one of the most hilarious things I’ve watched this entire year.

Recently, I watched “The Monkey” on Hulu, which turned out to be an unexpectedly over-the-top and grisly horror-comedy. This revelation actually enhanced my enjoyment of the otherwise excellent adaptation of King’s work. It was truly one of the most surprising films I’ve seen this year, and I can’t wait to discuss it further.

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I Went In Completely Blind, So I Wasn’t Expecting This Kind Of Humor

Entering “The Monkey“, knowing only it’s a horror film involving two twin brothers receiving a mystical toy with incredible and terrifying abilities, I had no clue what was in store. I certainly didn’t anticipate humor. However, the genuine essence of the movie quickly unfolded a few minutes later when Captain Petey Shellburn (Adam Scott) attempted to discard his sons’ wind-up monkey, triggering a sequence reminiscent of a “Final Destination” film. When the harpoon gun inexplicably disemboweled the pawn shop owner, I found myself chuckling unexpectedly and commenting, “I wouldn’t have thought this would be so amusing.

This Horror-Comedy Had Me Laughing As Much As It Had Me Covering My Eyes

To clarify, “The Monkey” is a horrifying film that’s incredibly intense and gruesome, featuring some of the most disturbing displays of gore and violence I’ve ever encountered. From transforming people into ground beef-like substances using horses, to electrifying swims and a disastrous hibachi restaurant experience, Perkins left no holds barred in his depiction… absolutely none.

Although the death scenes in this film were startlingly brutal and made me shield my eyes more than during a viewing of The Pit, I found myself rolling on the floor with laughter (though not so much that I’d end up on a grill). To put it another way, I was like that kid in the iconic gif, reacting to a WWE show, throughout the entire movie.

The Wild Tone Of The Monkey Made The Movie Such An Unforgettable Experience

In 2025, I’ve seen many excellent horror movies, including several outstanding adaptations of Stephen King’s works. However, The Monkey stands out as a memorable experience. The exceptional dual performance by Perkins (and Theo James) and the rest of the cast in maintaining a darkly comedic tone that intensifies the horror is nothing short of astonishing.

Sure, the movie’s inventive and visceral depictions of gore and violence contribute to its appeal, but what truly sets it apart is its biting wit.

Reflecting on how much enjoyable “The Monkey” has been, I’m pondering which other comedic tales by Stephen King could benefit from a cinematic adaptation. If they manage to capture even a fraction of the fun found in this masterpiece, I believe it would be a fantastic idea!

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2025-08-31 01:10