The article contains spoilers for The Monkey.The Monkey star Theo James explains why one fan theory does not work, despite being “interesting.” The horror comedy, directed by Osgood Perkins (Longlegs) and based on a Stephen King story, revolves around twins Hal and Bill Shelburn (both portrayed by James) and a cursed wind-up monkey that plagues their family. The Monkey contains dreadfully memorable gore while placing an emphasis on trauma and exploring how Hal and Bill were affected by death. However, some audiences are speculating whether the eponymous toy actually exists for them.

During a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, James discussed a theory surrounding the cymbal-banging monkey and how it could have been imagined by the Shelburn family. While he respected the idea, the star explained that it does not exactly work and is “a little too existential” for that kind of movie. He adds that the monkey was meant to be a symbolic object, which can become horrifying as characters direct certain feelings toward it. Read more of his comments below:

I like it as a conceit. It’s an interesting concept to touch on, but the reality is that we’ve made a fun movie. It’s supposed to be enjoyed with your friends or in an audience, so you can laugh and be shocked by it. And to completely buy into that concept, it becomes a little too existential, perhaps. The fun of [the monkey] is that it’s representative. Oz says it well. He wanted to create a totem, an icon that is Buddha-like and sits there for you to impress all your judgments or fears upon it. That’s why horror movies often have these inanimate emblems that are so terrifying. There’s total stillness and blankness there, and it’s human nature to project everything onto them only to have it projected back on ourselves. So we animate the inanimate object in a way, and that’s a fascinating human conundrum.

What This Could Mean For The Monkey

The Shelburn Family Was In Possession Of Something Evil

The idea that Hal and Bill were simply imagining the monkey may have been debunked. However, the forbidding toy can be tangible and also serve as a metaphor for trauma, given what they experienced with it. As it appears, the Shelburn family deteriorates, but seeking to suppress it or prevent any more harm by discarding the monkey inevitably fails. On several occasions, including after the death of their mother, Hal and Bill attempt to get rid of it, but the object constantly resurfaces.

James’ comments suggest that the Shelburn family was actually in possession of something evil. Hal and Bill indicate that the monkey is actively responsible for the gruesome fates of their relatives, and although death is out of their control, it does seem like the toy administers unreasonably bloody demises when used by someone. By the end of The Monkey, Hal likely understood that death, while unmanageable, is certain.

Our Take On The Monkey Theory

Though Compelling, An Actual Evil Toy Is More Entertaining

The theory that Hal and his family have hallucinated the monkey is compelling, especially when considering some of the themes, but as James commented, it would be less amusing. With the intent behind The Monkey being to entertain and surprise audiences, the presence of an actual evil toy makes more sense. Whether it’s a stand-in for trauma or just a vessel for chaos and horrendous kills, using an object to deter Hal should lead to a lot of humor and overall zaniness in the film.

Source: THR