Following the success of "Longlegs," acclaimed writer/director Oz Perkins returns to the horror genre with another chilling adaptation from the master of horror, Stephen King. "The Monkey" features Theo James in the dual role of twin brothers tormented by a sinister cymbal-playing monkey toy. The film also stars an impressive ensemble cast including Tatiana Maslany (known for "Orphan Black"), Elijah Wood (from "Lord of The Rings" and "Yellowjackets"), and Adam Scott (of "Severance" fame), all drawn into the eerie world of the haunted toy.
IGN critic Tom Jorgenson praised "The Monkey" in his review, calling it "one of the best horror-comedies (and Stephen King adaptations) in recent memory, exploding off the screen with both gory kills and big laughs." This suggests that "The Monkey" offers a thrilling blend of horror and humor, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.
If you're eager to see "The Monkey" on the big screen or are curious about its streaming availability, here's everything you need to know:
How to Watch The Monkey - Showtimes and Streaming Release Date
The Monkey hit theaters on February 21. You can find showtimes at major cinema chains such as Fandango, AMC Theaters, Cinemark Theaters, and Regal Theaters.
The Monkey Streaming Release Date
The Monkey will eventually be available to stream on Hulu, thanks to a distribution deal with Neon. Unlike the recent trend of movies going straight to streaming, Neon's releases typically take longer to appear on the service. For instance, Oz Perkins' previous film, "Longlegs," took about seven months to transition from theaters to Hulu. Expect "The Monkey" to follow a similar timeline, with a potential streaming debut on Hulu several months after its theatrical run. In the meantime, you might be able to rent or purchase the film on digital platforms like Prime Video by early May.
What Is The Monkey About?
Based on Stephen King's short story from the "Skeleton Crew" collection, "The Monkey" follows twin brothers who discover a mysterious wind-up monkey. This discovery leads to a series of bizarre deaths that tear their family apart. Years later, the monkey reignites its deadly spree, compelling the now-estranged siblings to confront the cursed toy once more.
Does The Monkey Have a Post-Credits Scene?
While "The Monkey" does not feature a traditional post-credits scene, there is a "surprise" that's worth sticking around for. For those who want to avoid spoilers, IGN offers a detailed guide to The Monkey's ending.
The Monkey Cast
Written and directed by Oz Perkins, "The Monkey" boasts a talented cast:
- Theo James as Hal and Bill Shelburn
- Christian Convery as young Hal and Bill
- Tatiana Maslany as Lois Shelburn
- Colin O'Brien as Petey
- Rohan Campbell as Ricky
- Sarah Levy as Ida
- Adam Scott as Capt. Petey Shelburn
- Elijah Wood as Ted Hammerman
- Osgood Perkins as Chip
- Danica Dreyer as Annie Wilkes
- Laura Mennell as Hal's ex-wife and Petey's mother
- Nicco Del Rio as Rookie Priest
The Monkey Rating and Runtime
"The Monkey" is rated R for strong bloody violent content, gore, language throughout, and some sexual references. The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes.