A cursed curio and two vengeful twins are the Maine attraction in the latest adaptation of a classic Stephen King short story. The Monkey (B-), the latest horror film by Osgood Perkins, explores childhood trauma through the eyes of actor Theo James in dual roles as bickering brothers in possession of an organ grinder wind-up toy monkey capable of causing a spontaneous and usually grisly death with each turn of his key. Also this primate plaything doesn’t take requests, even when someone wishes someone else dead. The burden of ownership of the drumming monkey weighs heavily on the back of the nicer brother throughout life and especially on a father son roadtrip with his own estranged son. The film’s off-kilter humor and general sense of nihilism underscore the sometimes sheer randomness of why freak accidents happen. The film’s kills are abundant and inventive even if the overall content is as threadbare as its titular toy’s red vest. The final showdown is a bit sloppy, and the conclusion slightly unsatisfying. But the movie is generally a brisk ride and shines brightest when staring most deeply into sinister terrain. Despite matinee idol looks, Theo James does a nifty job in his often unhinged, goofy roles. Perkins deftly mixes suspense and silliness in this dark lark, building on a Gremlins and Final Destination style tradition.

My FilmThirst video review: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT25FceFC/