Prepare for sleepless nights. The first trailer for The Monkey, director Oz Perkins’ chilling new horror film based on a Stephen King short story, has arrived, and it’s as unsettling as you’d expect. Starring Theo James, Elijah Wood, and Tatiana Maslany, this film promises a descent into psychological terror unlike any other.
A Cursed Toy and Childhood Trauma
The trailer opens with an unnerving scene: twin brothers Hal and Bill (Theo James) discover a dusty, forgotten toy monkey in their attic. This isn’t your average plush toy; this relic radiates an aura of pure malevolence. The unsettling score and quick cuts of distorted imagery hint at the horrific events this seemingly innocent toy unleashes.
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Perkins’ Disturbing Vision Meets King’s Classic Horror
Oz Perkins, known for his atmospheric dread in films like The Blackcoat’s Daughter and I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House, directs this adaptation of King’s short story. With a penchant for psychological thrillers and a knack for unsettling visuals, Perkins seems perfectly suited to bring this terrifying tale to life. Producer James Wan (The Conjuring, Insidious) further elevates the film’s horror pedigree.
Years after their initial encounter with the demonic toy and the tragedies that followed, the brothers are forced to confront their past. The trailer suggests a terrifying reunion with the monkey, its power seemingly amplified by time. Can they survive this second encounter, or will they become its latest victims?
A Talented Cast Plunges into Darkness
Theo James takes on the dual role of the twin brothers, exploring the complexities of shared trauma and individual reactions to unspeakable horror. He’s joined by Elijah Wood and Tatiana Maslany, whose presence adds further depth and intrigue. While their exact roles remain partially shrouded in mystery, their involvement hints at a broader, more intricate narrative surrounding the cursed toy. Rohan Campbell, Christian Convery, Sarah Levy, and Colin O’Brien round out the cast, suggesting a richer tapestry of characters caught in the monkey’s web of terror.
Unraveling the Mystery: Plot Deep Dive
The Monkey delves into the chilling story of twin brothers who unearth a cursed toy in their attic. This discovery triggers a series of gruesome deaths, forcing the brothers to confront the terrifying reality of the monkey’s power. They attempt to bury the past, separating and discarding the toy, but years later, it resurfaces, bringing back the horrors they desperately tried to escape. Now, they must confront the malevolent force behind the toy once and for all.
The trailer offers glimpses of visceral horror, reminiscent of Final Destination‘s creative kills, but with a chilling psychological twist. It blurs the line between a simple cursed object and a supernatural entity, leaving viewers with a sense of unease and anticipation.
The Monkey expands on the classic killer toy trope, drawing from King’s short story in his Skeleton Crew collection. Oz Perkin’s distinct directorial style, combined with the producing expertise of James Wan, promises a fresh and terrifying take on the source material.
Who’s Pulling the Strings: Cast & Crew
- Director: Oz Perkins (The Blackcoat’s Daughter, I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House)
- Producer(s): James Wan, Michael Clear, Jason Cloth, Dave Caplan
- Cast: Theo James (Hal and Bill), Elijah Wood, Tatiana Maslany, Rohan Campbell, Christian Convery, Sarah Levy, and Colin O’Brien.
- Based on: Stephen King’s short story “The Monkey”
Release Date and Streaming Future
The Monkey initially premiered in theaters on February 21, 2025. Information regarding streaming availability is yet to be released. While no official announcements have been made, major platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or Shudder are all potential homes for the film. Stay tuned for updates on where you can stream The Monkey and relive the terror from the comfort of your own home.
Platform | Likelihood | Why? |
---|---|---|
Netflix | Possible | Large subscriber base, history of acquiring popular horror films. |
Hulu | Possible | Strong track record with horror content, including Stephen King adaptations. |
Amazon Prime Video | Possible | Vast library, often secures exclusive streaming rights. |
Shudder | Likely | Focus on horror genre, natural fit for the film’s tone and style. |
Smaller/Niche Streaming Service | Possible | Could secure a dedicated audience within the horror community. |
Share the trailer, discuss your theories, and prepare for The Monkey – it’s going to be a wild ride.