MOVIE NEWS – The year has kicked off with an exciting lineup of releases, particularly for fans of comic book and horror genres. Josh Ruben’s Heart Eyes is set to debut just before Valentine’s Day, alongside the premiere of Captain America: Brave New World. However, the highly anticipated film The Monkey is set to hit theaters at the end of February, with a release date of February 21. Early screenings for critics have revealed a consensus: the film is as hilariously funny as it is brutally gory.
Directed by Osgood Perkins, known for the eerie slow-burn thriller Longlegs last year, The Monkey is adapted from a Stephen King short story and produced by James Wan. The story centers on twin brothers who stumble upon a toy monkey that brings about a series of mysterious and grisly deaths linked to its presence. Critics have taken to social media, with Joey Magidson calling it “savagely funny and savagely gory,” while Russ Millheim from The Direct described it as an “absolutely insane, brutal dark comedy featuring wildly creative death scenes.”
Osgood Perkins has taken King’s eerie story and infused it with his unique vision, crafting elaborate death sequences that draw comparisons to the Final Destination series while injecting a strong dose of dark humor. This approach marks a significant departure from Perkins’ previous work, showcasing his ability to explore different facets of the horror genre.
The Monkey: A Masterclass in Combining Horror and Comedy
Jeff Ewing’s reaction on X, where he praised The Monkey as “one of the funniest horror comedies [he’s] seen in ages,” highlights the intrinsic connection between horror and comedy. Acclaimed director Jordan Peele once observed, “The difference between horror and comedy is the music,” a sentiment that perfectly explains why Perkins’ film succeeds in merging the two genres. The Monkey serves as a testament to the horror genre’s constant evolution, delivering fresh and innovative experiences to audiences.
Osgood Perkins: A Rising Star in Horror Filmmaking
Perkins has already earned a reputation for crafting tense and atmospheric films like Gretel & Hansel, I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House, and The Blackcoat’s Daughter. While these projects focused on building dread, The Monkey introduces a surprising blend of humor and horror, elevating Perkins’ work to new heights. The film’s morbid sense of humor is a key component of its appeal, and it will be intriguing to see how general audiences react compared to critics.
The overwhelmingly positive reception from early screenings suggests The Monkey could be another success for Perkins, following his work on Longlegs. The recently released red-band trailer has only added to the anticipation, ensuring fans remain excited for its February premiere. As another standout Stephen King adaptation, The Monkey reinforces the enduring relevance of the author’s work, even decades after its original publication.
Source: MovieWeb
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