Following the acclaim of "Longlegs," Oz Perkins is back with another chilling adaptation from Stephen King's repertoire. "The Monkey" features Theo James as twin brothers tormented by a sinister cymbal-clanging monkey toy. The film also boasts an impressive cast including Tatiana Maslany, Elijah Wood, and Adam Scott, all entangled in the eerie narrative.
In his review for IGN, critic Tom Jorgenson lauds "The Monkey" as "one of the best horror-comedies (and Stephen King adaptations) in recent memory, bursting with both gruesome kills and hearty laughs." This certainly promises a thrilling mix of horror and humor.
If you're eager to see "The Monkey" on the big screen or curious about its streaming availability, here's everything you need to know:
How to Watch The Monkey - Showtimes and Streaming Release Date
"The Monkey" premiered in theaters on February 21. You can find showtimes at popular theater 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 Neon's distribution deal which grants Hulu the rights to its theatrical releases. Unlike the recent trend of movies going straight to streaming, Neon's films typically take a few months to transition to the platform. For instance, Oz Perkins' previous film, "Longlegs," hit theaters on July 12, 2024, and didn't arrive on Hulu until February 14, 2025—roughly seven months later. Expect "The Monkey" to follow a similar timeline, though it should be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Prime Video by early May.
What Is The Monkey About?
Adapted from Stephen King's 1980 short story, later revised for the 1985 "Skeleton Crew" collection, "The Monkey" revolves around twin brothers who discover a mysterious wind-up monkey. This seemingly innocuous toy triggers a series of bizarre deaths that devastate their family. Decades later, the monkey resumes its deadly rampage, compelling the now-estranged siblings to confront their haunted past.
Does The Monkey Have a Post-Credits Scene?
While "The Monkey" doesn't feature a traditional post-credits scene, there's a worthwhile "surprise" to stick around for. For those who want to avoid spoilers, IGN offers a guide to The Monkey's ending for more details.
The Monkey Cast
Written and directed by Oz Perkins, "The Monkey" showcases a talented ensemble:
- 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 due to its intense bloody violence, gore, pervasive language, and some sexual references. The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes.
