Menu
English

'A Super-Bloody Explosion': The New King Horror Is Already Being Compared to 'Gremlins'

Stills from the film 'The Monkey', 'Gremlins'

A new hit awaits audiences.

Stephen King fans can look forward to a new cinematic treat. The first wave of reviews for the film Monkey, based on the master of horror's short story, promises a thrilling and bloody spectacle that has already impressed critics.

Director Oz Perkins has taken on the adaptation of this unsettling story, centered around a cursed toy — a mechanical monkey that brings death and destruction to anyone nearby. The story focuses on two brothers who try to rid themselves of the sinister artifact.

Still from the film 'The Monkey'

What Are the Critics Saying?

First and foremost, the film has garnered praise for its bold approach. In her X Collider critic Perri Nemiroff called Monkey a “bloody blast” highlighting its intense killing scenes and unique directorial vision:

“A super-bloody explosion. A nearly non-stop series of gleefully violent kill scenes that well earn every “holy sh*t” response they got out of me. Loved how quickly Oz Perkins cements that this is a version of the Stephen King short story that’s uniquely his own.”

Some critics compared the film to iconic horror classics like Final Destination. Eric Goldman in his X noted that Monkey is a "creepily funny horror" that will delight fans with its bloody but inventive scenes.

Why Should You Watch It?

Monkey stands out for its mood, blending dark horror, black humor, and a memorable aesthetic. Critics have praised the director for skillfully playing with the audience's emotions, making them laugh while also covering their eyes from the tension.

Critic Drew Taylor called it "one of the most exciting entertainments in theaters":

“funny, scary, poignant and so, so fun. A rare movie that can be compared to Gremlins in terms of giddy chaos”.

Monkey hits theaters on February 21, and judging by the early reviews, it is set to become one of the most striking King adaptations in recent years. Don't miss the chance to see how the master of horror comes alive again on the big screen.

Dozens of Skeletons in the Closet and a Town You Can’t Escape: 'Population 436' — Forgotten Horror Reminiscent of King and 'From' Dozens of Skeletons in the Closet and a Town You Can’t Escape: 'Population 436' — Forgotten Horror Reminiscent of King and 'From' Read more 29 April 2025
This Old Horror Movie Has Become a Favorite of Stephen King — the Film Is Considered to Be the Best in George C. Scott's Career This Old Horror Movie Has Become a Favorite of Stephen King — the Film Is Considered to Be the Best in George C. Scott's Career Read more 28 April 2025
Seven Hours in Makeup, Zero Minutes on Screen: Why Kevin Durand’s Blob Didn’t Return in 'Deadpool & Wolverine' Seven Hours in Makeup, Zero Minutes on Screen: Why Kevin Durand’s Blob Didn’t Return in 'Deadpool & Wolverine' Read more 29 April 2025
'It’s perfect enough' — No Sequels, No Prequels: 'Back to the Future' Will Stay Untouched 'It’s perfect enough' — No Sequels, No Prequels: 'Back to the Future' Will Stay Untouched Read more 29 April 2025
Hosoda vs. Miyazaki: Will 'Scarlet' Cast a Spell as Powerful as 'The Boy and the Heron' Hosoda vs. Miyazaki: Will 'Scarlet' Cast a Spell as Powerful as 'The Boy and the Heron' Read more 29 April 2025
How a Five-Year-Old Boy Became Part of Two Oscar-Winning Masterpieces: The Story of Giorgio Cantarini How a Five-Year-Old Boy Became Part of Two Oscar-Winning Masterpieces: The Story of Giorgio Cantarini Read more 29 April 2025
From Page to Screen: Can You Match the Adaptation to the Book? – Quiz From Page to Screen: Can You Match the Adaptation to the Book? – Quiz Read more 29 April 2025
Brad Pitt’s New Role Promises More Than Action as A24’s Teams With Oscar-Nominated Director for an Acclaimed Novel Adaptation Brad Pitt’s New Role Promises More Than Action as A24’s Teams With Oscar-Nominated Director for an Acclaimed Novel Adaptation Read more 29 April 2025
After 'Monkey Man', Dev Patel Brings 14th-Century India to Life in New Action Epic After 'Monkey Man', Dev Patel Brings 14th-Century India to Life in New Action Epic Read more 29 April 2025
There Are Special Deleted Scenes in 'Deathly Hallows': Viewers Cry, Even Though They Feature the Dreaded Dursleys There Are Special Deleted Scenes in 'Deathly Hallows': Viewers Cry, Even Though They Feature the Dreaded Dursleys Read more 29 April 2025
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Read more