In this engaging discussion, Jordan Cruciola, a writer and producer known for her podcast 'Feeling Seen,' offers fresh insights into the horror-comedy film 'The Monkey.' The conversation dives into the film's unique premise of cursed twin brothers and a sinister wind-up monkey. They analyze the interplay of horror and humor, alongside Theo James's performance. Cruciola also reflects on the current trends in horror cinema, comparing recent films like 'Talk To Me' and 'Hereditary,' unveiling the genre's evolving landscape.
The film 'The Monkey' addresses generational trauma through the relationship between twin brothers navigating the legacy of their absent father.
By blending cartoonish gore with dark humor, the film manages to evoke nostalgia for classic horror while framing a narrative on familial dysfunction.
Deep dives
Exploring Generational Trauma
The film explores the theme of generational trauma through its characters, particularly the twin brothers Hal and Bill, who deal with the emotional aftermath of an absent father and the impact of his legacy. Hal, portrayed as the introverted brother, struggles to protect his son Petey from the malevolence that resurfaces after years of estrangement from Bill, who epitomizes a more aggressive, bullying demeanor. This dynamic reflects on how familial burdens can shape identities and relationships, suggesting that the sins of the father ripple through to the next generation. The narrative positions the cursed monkey as a catalyst that forces the brothers to confront their shared past and the frightening realities it brings back into their lives.
Cartoonish Violence and Humor
The film employs a blend of cartoonish gore and dark humor, evoking comparisons to over-the-top horror tropes from previous decades. The deaths depicted are exaggeratedly grotesque, reminiscent of classic '80s horror where absurdity often eclipses realism, creating a unique comedic element. Critics note that while the film leans heavily on shock value and outrageous scenarios, which may elicit laughter, it risks undermining its more sincere themes by trivializing death. This tonal dissonance challenges viewers to reconcile the laughable with the deeply unsettling consequences of the brothers' cursed encounters.
A Throwback to Classic Horror
The film harks back to classic horror elements, featuring familiar tropes such as cursed objects and generational conflict, which resonate with fans of the genre. It invokes nostalgia while simultaneously crafting its distinct narrative about familial dysfunction and internal fears, pointing to the director's personal experiences and history. Critics suggest that this throwback style may not elevate the horror genre but instead embraces its campy origins, making it accessible to a modern audience. Furthermore, the casting choices and character designs enhance the film's whimsical and surreal aesthetic, inviting viewers into a world where past and present collide unpredictably.
In the new horror-comedy The Monkey, Theo James plays a pair of identical twin brothers who get saddled with a cursed wind-up toy monkey that causes people around them to die freakish, gory deaths. It's based on a Stephen King short story, and directed by Osgood Perkins, who made last year's Longlegs.
