The Monkey, directed by Osgood Perkins and based on Stephen King’s short story, brings a chilling exploration of death, trauma, and revenge. With its shocking ending, gruesome deaths, and hints at deeper lore, the film leaves viewers both satisfied and hungry for more. Here’s a breakdown of the film’s tragic conclusion, what it changes from the original story, and how it sets up a potential sequel.
The Monkey’s Ending: A Tragic Cycle of Death and Reconciliation
The movie’s climax revolves around the twin brothers, Hal (Theo James) and Bill (Christian Convery), who have been locked in a toxic struggle involving a cursed wind-up monkey that grants deadly wishes. Both brothers attempt to use the monkey’s powers for their own purposes, but instead of granting them control over death, the toy wreaks havoc on their lives and the town around them.
Bill’s Ironic Death
In one of the film’s most shocking moments, Bill, who spent much of his life seeking revenge on Hal, dies not by the monkey’s hand but by an ironic twist of fate:
- Cause of death: A bowling ball belonging to their deceased mother is triggered by one of Bill’s own traps, smashing his head off in brutal fashion.
- Symbolism: The fact that Bill’s obsession with revenge leads to his death—via a token from his mother—highlights the movie’s underlying message about how death is unpredictable and can’t be controlled, no matter how hard someone tries.
Hal’s Decision to Keep the Monkey
Rather than trying to destroy the monkey (as their father once did), Hal decides to keep it. His reasoning:
- Safety First: Leaving the monkey behind could let someone else unknowingly unleash its deadly curse.
- Control Over Destruction: Hal and his son Petey choose to keep the monkey locked away, ensuring it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
This action suggests that while Hal can’t destroy the curse, he can contain it—at least for now.
The Pale Rider’s Mysterious Appearance
As Hal and Petey drive away from the destruction caused by the monkey, they see a pale rider nodding at them before galloping away.
- Possible Meaning: The rider could symbolize death itself or serve as a visual metaphor for the curse following them, implying that the monkey’s influence is never truly gone.
- Sequel Setup: This eerie nod could also hint at a larger mythology surrounding the monkey’s origin—possibly laying the groundwork for future films.
The Fate of Hal and Bill’s Father
Captain Petey Shelburn (Adam Scott) only appears briefly in the opening scene but plays a significant role in the monkey’s backstory:
- His Disappearance: While the family assumes Petey abandoned them, it’s implied that he left to protect his children from the cursed monkey.
- His Last Known Action: In a flashback, Petey attempts to destroy the monkey with a blowtorch, hinting at his knowledge of its evil nature.
- Potential for a Prequel: A future film could explore Petey’s battle with the cursed toy and what truly led him to disappear from his family’s life.
How The Monkey’s Ending Differs From Stephen King’s Story
Osgood Perkins’ adaptation makes significant changes from Stephen King’s short story, adding layers of family trauma and revenge that weren’t present in the original narrative.
Key Differences:
- Bill’s Existence:
- Book: Hal has no twin brother.
- Film: Bill’s character adds depth and personal conflict, intensifying the stakes of the monkey’s curse.
- The Fate of the Monkey:
- Book: Hal and Petey throw the monkey into a lake, weighted down with rocks, only for it to kill hundreds of fish before dying itself.
- Film: Hal keeps the monkey locked away, setting the stage for potential future consequences.
- Deaths:
- Book: The deaths in the short story are less graphic and primarily involve animals.
- Film: The movie ramps up the horror with gruesome deaths, including beheadings, swarms of bees, and violent accidents.
- Revenge as a Theme:
- Book: Focuses more on Hal’s personal trauma and fear of the monkey’s return.
- Film: Bill’s obsession with revenge against his brother adds emotional weight and narrative tension.
What the Ending Means: Death Can’t Be Controlled
At its core, The Monkey explores the randomness and inevitability of death:
- The Illusion of Control: Both Bill and Hal try to harness the monkey’s power for personal gain but quickly realize they can’t control who lives or dies.
- Fate Over Choice: The deaths in the film occur due to accidents, coincidences, and unpredictable consequences, underscoring the message that death is arbitrary and cannot be reasoned with.
- The Burden of Survival: By the end, Hal is left with the heavy responsibility of guarding the monkey, symbolizing how trauma lingers long after the chaos ends.
Every Major Death in The Monkey
| Character | Cause of Death |
|---|---|
| Bill | Beheaded by a bowling ball (mother’s trap) |
| Lois | Brain aneurysm |
| Uncle Chip | Trampled by animals |
| Hal & Bill’s Babysitter | Head sliced off |
| Realtor | Shot in the head at close range |
| Ricky | Killed by a swarm of bees |
Could The Monkey Get a Sequel?
The ending leaves the door open for both a sequel and a prequel:
Sequel Possibilities:
- The Monkey’s Curse Continues: The cursed toy could accidentally fall into the hands of someone else, unleashing more death and destruction.
- New Cursed Objects: A sequel could introduce other deadly toys with similar supernatural origins.
Prequel Potential:
- Captain Petey’s Story: A film exploring the father’s mysterious past, detailing his first encounters with the monkey, could provide deeper lore about the cursed toy’s origins.
The Real Meaning Behind The Monkey
While it’s full of over-the-top deaths and horror elements, The Monkey carries a deeper message:
- Death Is Random: The film emphasizes the unpredictability of death, reflecting how it can strike at any time without reason or warning.
- Trauma Lingers: Both Hal and Bill carry the trauma of their childhood experiences into adulthood, illustrating how unresolved pain can destroy lives.
- Revenge Is Destructive: Bill’s fixation on vengeance consumes him, leading to his ironic death by a symbol of his mother’s love.
