The Monkey is one of the creepiest Stephen King adaptations on Prime Video UK — and it’s all thanks to that damn toy
Stephen King fans, brace yourselves, “The Monkey” has arrived on Prime Video UK, and it’s already creeping its way into the platform’s top 10. This twisted horror film taps into one of King’s eeriest short stories and brings it to life in a slow-burn, deeply unsettling way.
Produced by James Wan, the horror mastermind behind The Conjuring and Saw, and directed by Longlegs filmmaker Osgood Perkins, The Monkey might just be one of the most disturbing King adaptations in recent years. And yes, it’s all thanks to one sinister wind-up toy.
Watch The Monkey on Prime Video UK.
What is “The Monkey” about?
Based on Stephen King’s short story of the same name, The Monkey begins when young twin brothers discover a creepy wind-up monkey toy in their attic. As soon as its cymbals start clapping, mysterious and brutal deaths begin to follow. The toy’s curse tears their family apart, until one brother finally manages to get rid of it.
But evil doesn’t stay buried forever.
Twenty-five years later, the monkey resurfaces. And the killings begin again.
Now adults, the estranged brothers are forced to confront their past, and the toy that destroyed their family. What follows is a chilling, emotionally heavy journey filled with supernatural terror and lingering trauma.
The cast and creators bring real horror pedigree
The Monkey is stacked with talent. Theo James (The White Lotus) leads the film with a gripping, grounded performance as a man haunted by his childhood. Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black) adds emotional weight as a woman caught in the chaos, while young stars Christian Convery and Colin O’Brien play the twin brothers with surprising depth and tension.
Elijah Wood also makes a welcome appearance, giving off major Sin City vibes, and director Osgood Perkins even steps in front of the camera for a small but memorable role.
Behind the scenes, it’s clear that this is a horror project handled with care. With James Wan producing alongside Dave Caplin, Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, and Chris Ferguson, the scares are smart, stylish, and never cheap.
Why The Monkey is a standout in Prime Video UK’s horror section
Let’s be honest: Prime Video UK’s horror selection can be hit or miss. While there are a few solid options (Talk to Me, The Black Phone), it’s often flooded with generic slashers and low-budget thrillers.
The Monkey is different.
It’s slow, atmospheric, and deeply psychological. Osgood Perkins doesn’t go for loud jump scares, he builds dread scene by scene. The result? A horror experience that sticks with you long after the credits roll.
It’s not just the scares, either. The Monkey digs into family trauma, guilt, and the fear of repeating the past. It’s thoughtful horror, backed by strong performances and eerie visuals.
What are the critics saying?
While early reviews are still rolling in, The Monkey currently holds a 72% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, with audience reactions even more favorable. Viewers praise the film’s slow-burn tension and unsettling atmosphere, though some say its pacing may test less patient horror fans.
Still, for those who appreciate mood-driven horror over cheap thrills, The Monkey delivers.
Critics agree: “The Monkey doesn’t scream, it whispers, and somehow that’s even scarier.”
The Monkey isn’t a horror film filled with constant gore or non-stop action. Instead, it’s a chilling, beautifully crafted story about a cursed object that destroys everything in its path. It’s smart, spooky, and lingers in your mind, the kind of horror King fans crave.
If you’re browsing Prime Video UK and want something truly creepy, The Monkey is absolutely worth your time. Just don’t watch it alone… and definitely don’t wind up any toy monkeys in your house.