The Monkey (2025)

From the company that gave us Longlegs in 2024, NEON is gearing up to kickstart 2025 with another potential horror masterpiece—The Monkey. Directed by Osgood Perkins, this movie adapts Stephen King’s eerie short story of the same name, originally featured in his acclaimed Skeleton Crew collection. The film, produced by James Wan (The Conjuring), hits theaters on February 21, 2025, promising a chilling cinematic experience.

Trailer Drops January 8: What to Expect

NEON’s clever marketing has been the talk of horror circles, and the trailer for The Monkey will debut on January 8 at 12 PM ET. Early glimpses of the MPA trailer report hint at a gripping and intense experience. Highlights include unsettling imagery and moments of suspenseful horror. Rated R for its strong violent content, intense scenes, pervasive language, and mature themes, this film promises a chilling ride for fans of the genre.

Plot Summary

At the heart of The Monkey is the sinister tale of twin brothers Hal and Bill. While rummaging through their father’s attic, they stumble upon an old monkey toy. What seems like an innocent relic quickly reveals its malevolent nature as a series of tragic events unfold around them. Despite their efforts to rid themselves of the cursed toy, the deaths persist, forcing the estranged brothers to reunite years later. Together, they must confront their dark past and find a way to destroy the evil monkey before it threatens everyone they care about.

A Stellar Cast Brings the Horror to Life

The film boasts a star-studded ensemble, including:

• Theo James (The White Lotus)
• Tatiana Maslany (She-Hulk: Attorney at Law)
• Elijah Wood (Maniac)
• Christian Convery (Sweet Tooth)
• Colin O’Brien (Wonka)
• Rohan Campbell (Halloween Ends)
• Sarah Levy (Schitt’s Creek)

Each actor promises to deliver gripping performances that delve into the psychological terror and familial drama underpinning the story.

A Darkly Intriguing Marketing Strategy

NEON has taken an audacious approach to promoting The Monkey. From the provocative tagline, “Everyone is at risk,” to a twisted holiday teaser, the campaign blends dark intrigue with captivating suspense. It mirrors the tone of the story—both unsettling and eerily playful.

Stephen King and the Art of Adaptation

While The Monkey isn’t among King’s most famous works, the choice to adapt this story signals NEON’s commitment to uncovering hidden gems from the legendary author’s repertoire. Perkins’ ability to balance psychological dread and stark visuals, as seen in Longlegs, makes him a fitting choice to bring this chilling tale to life.

Why You Should Be Excited

If you’re a fan of Longlegs or The Conjuring Universe, The Monkey is poised to deliver that same blend of intelligent storytelling and spine-tingling scares. With its mix of star power, King’s source material, and NEON’s bold marketing, this film is shaping up to be a must-watch for horror enthusiasts in 2025.

Mark your calendars for January 8 to catch the official trailer and brace yourself for The Monkey’s theatrical release on February 21, 2025. This is one movie you won’t want to miss—if you can handle the suspense!