Neon has unveiled the first teaser for “The Monkey,” directed by the talented Osgood Perkins, who is fresh off the success of his latest film, “Longlegs.” The teaser offers a spine-tingling glimpse into the upcoming horror movie, which is slated to terrify audiences in theaters on February 21, 2025.
The brief but intense clip showcases Theo James in a chilling scene that meticulously sets the dark tone of the film. A toy monkey’s snare drum, resonating a carnival-style tune, becomes an instrument of horror as it gets smeared with blood, hinting at the violence and death that permeates the storyline. Joining James in this unsettling drama are co-stars Tatiana Maslany, Elijah Wood, Christian Convery, Colin O’Brien, Rohan Campbell, and Sarah Levy, promising a strong ensemble cast.
“The Monkey” follows the harrowing narrative of twins Bill and Hal, both portrayed by James. The plot thickens when the twins stumble upon their late father’s old, eerie toy monkey in their attic. This seemingly innocuous find turns dark as it triggers a series of unexplained and grisly deaths. The film is a riveting adaptation of Stephen King’s 1980 short story, with Perkins at the helm as both writer and director. The project brings together a notable production team, including Dave Caplan, Michael Clear, Chris Ferguson, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, and the acclaimed James Wan.
Highlighted in the teaser is Perkins’ unique directorial vision, which embraces both the macabre and the absurd. Known for his successful previous film, “Longlegs,” Perkins describes “The Monkey” as having a subtly comedic edge compared to his prior works. He evokes nostalgia by comparing its tone to classic films by John Landis, Joe Dante, and Robert Zemeckis. “It’s feeling more like an old John Landis movie or a Joe Dante movie or a Robert Zemeckis movie,” Perkins elaborated, signaling a blend of humor and horror that is rarely attempted in modern cinema. This innovative approach injects a wry comedy into the narrative of death, making it both engaging and unsettling.
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Perkins aims to challenge the conventional haunted toy subgenre by leaning into a more surreal and comedic aesthetic. “To me, it rang utterly false to approach it seriously, so I just went in the other direction,” he remarked. By doing so, Perkins seeks to deliver a fresh take on horror that simultaneously captivates and disorients the audience.
Stephen King’s original short story is rich with fear and suspense, and Perkins’ adaptation appears set to maintain these core elements while introducing a new and entertaining twist. The narrative’s pivot from a seemingly ordinary toy to a harbinger of death unfolds with a surreal, almost absurdist lens, keeping viewers on edge while also inviting them to laugh at the incongruity of the situation.
Perkins’ direction promises to infuse the film with an unpredictable energy, encapsulating the unpredictable nature of the source material. The teaser indicates that Perkins is unafraid to explore the boundaries of the horror genre, even as he pays homage to the masters who have influenced his creative vision. This reinterpretation is set to intrigue not only Stephen King enthusiasts but also fans of horror cinema who are eager for something novel and unorthodox.
Additionally, the stellar cast, including Theo James in a dual role, ensures a powerhouse performance that will bring depth and complexity to this nightmarish tale. Tatiana Maslany, known for her versatility, alongside Elijah Wood, who has a history of choosing unconventional roles, adds further intrigue to the project. The younger actors, Christian Convery, Colin O’Brien, and Rohan Campbell, along with Sarah Levy, round out a diversified cast that promises to deliver compelling performances.
As audiences eagerly await the film’s release, “The Monkey” is poised to join the ranks of memorable Stephen King adaptations, combining traditional horror elements with a fresh, comedic twist. With Osgood Perkins’ distinctive direction and an outstanding cast, this film is shaping up to be a must-see for horror aficionados and casual moviegoers alike.
In summary, “The Monkey” teaser unveils a horror film that dares to be different. With its blend of eerie suspense and dark comedy, it is set to captivate audiences and redefine the haunted toy subgenre when it hits theaters in early 2025.
