Stephen King’s short story “The Monkey”, featuring a cursed cymbal-banging monkey toy, terrified a generation of readers when it first hit the shelves in 1980.

With its dark themes of suppressed impulses, guilt, the subconscious, and the haunting grip of the past, the King of Horror’s book was the perfect recipe for an Edgar Allan Poe-esque tale of foreboding.

So when Malaysian-born horror maestro James Wan announced he was producing a film adaptation, expectations ran high for a terrifying psychological ride.

And from the opening sequence, “The Monkey” wastes no time in setting a chilling tone, showcasing the eerie power of its cursed toy – though this version swaps cymbals for a drum.

But before you settle in for a straight-up horror flick, you’ll quickly realise this film has a trick up its sleeve. And honestly? That’s for the better.

Directed by horror veteran Osgood Perkins – best known for 2024’s “Longlegs” and 2015’s “The Blackcoat’s Daughter” – “The Monkey” is a wickedly funny horror-comedy, like a wild lovechild of “Jumanji”, “Final Destination”, and “Annabelle”.

In a genre flooded with uninspired copycats, this film is a much-needed jolt of fresh energy, not just for horror but for cinema as a whole.

It’s worth noting that while “The Monkey” is labelled a horror-comedy, it doesn’t rely on slapstick or over-the-top irreverence like many films in the genre. Instead, its humour is unexpected, dark, and downright brilliant.

Rather than a direct adaptation, the film spins a whole new tale for a modern audience.

Theo James, of Netflix’s “The Gentlemen”, plays Hal Shelburn and his twin brother, Bill. As children, they stumble upon the cursed monkey toy while digging through their estranged father’s old belongings.

Bill – the older, tougher, and relentless bully of the two – can’t resist winding up the sinister-looking toy. Big mistake. The moment the monkey starts drumming, the deaths begin – gruesome, gory, and so over-the-top they’re almost comically absurd.

Realising its terrifying power, the brothers dispose of the toy and vow never to speak of it again. But decades later, their dark past comes knocking when the monkey mysteriously resurfaces – dragging them back into its deadly game, as more unsuspecting victims meet their fate in true “Final Destination” fashion.

When it comes to storytelling, “The Monkey” has you in a vice-like grip. The ridiculously macabre death scenes will catch you off guard at first, but as the film progresses, you’ll start to see them coming – waiting in gleeful anticipation to see just how far it’ll push the boundaries. And even the most squeamish among you will end up laughing at the sheer absurdity of it all.

But beyond the over-the-top carnage, it’s the film’s underlying themes that make “The Monkey” truly compelling.

Sometimes, the real horror isn’t a cursed toy – it’s unresolved wounds between loved ones or the absence of a parental figure, breeding resentment, bullies, and broken relationships.

In the Shelburn household, this manifests in Bill, the relentless tormentor, and Hal, the perpetual victim. The cursed monkey toy seems to symbolise their suppressed violent tendencies, lurking beneath the surface.

This is contrasted with Hal’s relationship with his teenage son, Petey – initially fractured, but ultimately finding a redemptive arc by the film’s end.

Theo James ditches his suave, English nobleman gangster persona from “The Gentlemen” and delivers a captivating, unexpectedly funny performance as both Hal and Bill.

His subtle expressions, well-timed pauses, and brooding presence make for a doubly delicious portrayal. Adding to the fun, keep an eye out for cameos from Adam Scott, Elijah Wood, Sarah Levy, and even director Osgood Perkins himself as Chip, Hal and Bill’s uncle.

All in all, “The Monkey” is a wickedly fun ride that’s sure to entertain and keep you on your toes. To borrow a line from the film – go watch it and “see what happens.”

‘The Monkey’ is screening in cinemas nationwide.