Neon has dropped the highly anticipated first teaser for the upcoming horror film The Monkey, directed by Osgood Perkins, who previously made waves with his hit film Longlegs. This eerie preview gives audiences a spine-tingling glimpse of the cinematic terror that awaits them when the film hits theaters on February 21, 2025.
The brief yet unsettling teaser predominantly features actor Theo James in an ominous setting. In one particularly haunting scene, a toy monkey plays a snare drum with a carnival-like tune, only to have the ominous rhythm abruptly accompanied by splattering blood – a stark indication of the grisly events to come. Joining James in the chilling cast are Tatiana Maslany, Elijah Wood, Christian Convery, Colin O’Brien, Rohan Campbell, and Sarah Levy, all of whom contribute to the unsettling atmosphere of the film.
The narrative of The Monkey centers on twin brothers Bill and Hal, both roles masterfully portrayed by Theo James. The brothers stumble upon their father’s old monkey toy tucked away in the attic, unknowingly unleashing a malevolent force that triggers a harrowing series of deaths. This tale is a cinematic adaptation of Stephen King’s short story from 1980, and Perkins stands at the helm of both writing and directing the project. The production team includes industry heavyweights such as Dave Caplan, Michael Clear, Chris Ferguson, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, and horror maestro James Wan, promising a high-caliber horror experience.
Perkins, riding high on the success of his previous film Longlegs, has spoken about his unique vision for The Monkey. Unlike traditional horror, Perkins has infused this film with an unexpected comedic edge. “It’s feeling more like an old John Landis movie or a Joe Dante movie or a Robert Zemeckis movie,” Perkins noted in a recent interview. He elaborated that his approach to the theme of death in The Monkey is marked by a wry, absurdist tone that juxtaposes the macabre with elements of dark humor, blending tragedy and comedy in equal measure.
Expanding on this creative direction, Perkins discussed his attraction to blending different tonalities in storytelling. He suggested that the haunted toy subgenre can often become bogged down in overly serious narratives.
. “To me, it rang utterly false to approach it seriously, so I just went in the other direction,” commented Perkins. His aim was to diverge significantly from traditional horror aesthetics, opting instead for a more surreal and humor-laden treatment of the narrative.
This approach sets The Monkey apart from conventional horror fare, promising a cinematic experience that transcends simple scares. By blending comedic elements into the framework of a chilling story, Perkins aims to capture the audience’s imagination in a way that is both unsettling and oddly entertaining.
The teaser has already begun to generate buzz within the film community and among horror aficionados. Early reactions have praised the disturbing yet intriguing preview, with many expressing excitement over Perkins’ ambitious blending of genres. The film’s release, still over a year away, is now hotly anticipated, with fans eagerly counting down to what promises to be a standout entry in the horror genre.
Perkins’ diverse cast, led by the compelling Theo James, is expected to deliver performances that heighten the film’s chilling undertones. Tatiana Maslany, known for her transformative roles, alongside Elijah Wood, who has previously dipped his toes into the horror genre, adds significant star power to the film. Young talents like Christian Convery and Colin O’Brien, coupled with Rohan Campbell and seasoned actress Sarah Levy, round out a cast that is expected to bring Perkins’ unique vision to life vividly.
As the horror genre continues to evolve, filmmakers like Osgood Perkins are at the forefront, pushing boundaries and redefining what audiences can expect. The Monkey, with its blend of absurdist humor and unsettling horror, epitomizes this trend. Come February 21, 2025, audiences will finally get to experience the eerie tale of Bill and Hal, and the cursed monkey toy that unleashes an unthinkable horror.
Stay tuned as more details emerge about this intriguing take on a Stephen King classic. The Monkey, with its unique blend of genres and chilling thematic elements, is poised to make a significant impact on the horror landscape.
