Is The Monkey on Hulu the Next Must-See Horror Flick or Just Overhyped?
Oz Perkins’ new horror movie, The Monkey, is now streaming on Hulu. This film, based on a Stephen King short story, has been getting a lot of attention thanks to its viral marketing. But is it actually worth your time? Here’s what you need to know before you hit play.
- Streaming debut of The Monkey on Hulu
- Based on a Stephen King story
- Comparison to Final Destination
- Details about the cast and story
- Objective look at the film’s strengths and weaknesses
The Monkey: Streaming Release and Story
The Monkey just landed on Hulu, bringing Oz Perkins’ latest horror effort straight to your living room. The film is adapted from Stephen King’s 1980 short story, which centers on a wind-up monkey toy that causes deadly accidents every time it bangs its cymbals together. While the original story is short and punchy, the movie version stretches the plot to feature-length—clocking in at 98 minutes.
Stephen King Roots and Storytelling Approach
The movie follows twin brothers, both played by Theo James, who discover the monkey as children and later confront its deadly power as adults. Perkins expands on the original story by spending a lot of time on the twins’ childhood. This is a familiar approach for Stephen King adaptations, which often feature young protagonists in eerie situations. However, the film’s marketing focused mostly on the adult characters, which may surprise some viewers expecting a different balance.
Final Destination Comparisons
One of the film’s main selling points is its similarity to the Final Destination series. Perkins gives the killer monkey the ability to set off elaborate, Rube Goldberg-style death traps. Sometimes these scenes are triggered by the monkey’s drum set, a detail that was changed due to a copyright issue with Disney. The death scenes include some creative ideas, such as an army of wasps or a dramatic pool accident, but they rely heavily on CGI, which can make them feel less impressive.
Cast and Production Details
The cast includes Theo James, who plays both twins with distinct personalities, and Tatiana Maslany, who appears briefly but makes an impact. Oz Perkins himself also makes a cameo. The soundtrack stands out with an eclectic mix, and the toy monkey prop is designed to be genuinely creepy.
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Is The Monkey Worth Watching?
The Monkey has its moments, especially if you enjoy quirky horror movies with a Stephen King twist. The film may not live up to all the hype, and some viewers might find it underwhelming if they expect non-stop scares. However, if you’re looking for a horror film that combines classic King vibes with a few inventive death scenes, this one could be worth checking out. Just keep your expectations in check for the best experience.
