{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Episode 88 - The Monkey","description":"Mindframes \u2013 Episode 88: The Monkey (2025) \ud83c\udf99\ufe0f A sometimes half-assed but always wholehearted film conversation. \ud83d\udd39 Hosts: Michael Cockerill & Dave Canfield \ud83d\udd39 Episode Runtime: Approx. 56 minutes \ud83d\udd39 Film Discussed: The Monkey (2025) \ud83d\udd39 Directed by: Osgood Perkins \ud83d\udd39 Based on: The Monkey (1980), a short story by Stephen King (Skeleton Crew) \ud83c\udfac General Information \u2013 The Monkey (2025) \ud83d\udd3b Director: Osgood "Oz" Perkins (The Blackcoat\u2019s Daughter, Longlegs, Gretel & Hansel) \ud83d\udd3b Screenplay: Osgood Perkins \ud83d\udd3b Based on: The Monkey by Stephen King \ud83d\udd3b Cinematography: Nico Aguilar (Longlegs) \ud83d\udd3b Special Effects Coordinator: Greg Pine (Final Destination-style death scenes!) \u2b50 Cast Highlights Theo James (Divergent) \u2013 Hal & Bill (Twin Brothers, Dual Role) Christian Convery (Sweet Tooth) \u2013 Young Hal & Bill Elijah Wood (The Lord of the Rings) \u2013 Hammerman, a self-help parenting guru Tatiana Maslany (Orphan Black, She-Hulk) \u2013 Aunt Lois Adam Scott (Severance, Parks & Rec) \u2013 Cameo as the Monkey\u2019s former owner Colin O\u2019Brien (Wonka) \u2013 Petey Rowan Campbell (The Hardy Boys) \u2013 Ricky \ud83d\udee0\ufe0f Special Trivia The toy monkey plays a drum, not cymbals, due to a legal conflict with Disney (Toy Story 3 featured a cymbal-playing monkey). Limited edition popcorn bucket featuring the monkey was a sought-after collectible. You can buy an official Monkey figurine for $125 at Neon\u2019s store. \ud83d\udccc Episode Breakdown & Timestamps [00:00] \u2013 Introduction Michael and Dave introduce the episode and film under discussion. [00:35] \u2013 What is The Monkey? Background on the film\u2019s origin from Stephen King\u2019s short story. Overview of Osgood Perkins\u2019 horror film career. [01:39] \u2013 Osgood Perkins as a Director Dave shares his past interview with Perkins and how his films explore grief & trauma. Perkins' stylistic shift from atmospheric horror to dark comedy. [02:52] \u2013 How Different is This from Stephen King's Story? King\u2019s original story = pure dread. This adaptation = comedic, absurd, yet still horror-infused. [04:10] \u2013 Trivia: Why Doesn\u2019t the Monkey Have Cymbals? The monkey was originally designed with cymbals. Disney\u2019s legal team intervened (due to a character in Toy Story 3). A drum was used instead\u2014and now it's iconic. [05:58] \u2013 Cast & Performances Breakdown of the cast\u2019s performances. Theo James\u2019 dual role as Hal & Bill\u2014a highlight of the film. Elijah Wood's role as a self-help guru satirizing modern parenting culture. Tatiana Maslany\u2019s role & why she stands out. [09:47] \u2013 The Monkey's Death Scenes & Cinematography The over-the-top death scenes add to the Final Destination-style fun. Cinematography by Nico Aguilar (Longlegs) helps create aesthetic horror-comedy. [15:48] \u2013 Special Effects & The Role of Blood Mix of practical effects and CGI. Hosts critique CGI blood overuse but praise the practical effects. [18:46] \u2013 What is The Monkey Really About? The film explores generational trauma. Horror trend: Fathers passing down hidden burdens (Hereditary, The Wolfman). The monkey symbolizes trauma that can\u2019t be ignored. [20:28] \u2013 How the Movie Handles Generational Trauma Hal tries to escape it\u2014but the monkey keeps coming back. Final message: You can\u2019t erase trauma, only learn to live with it. [27:31] \u2013 The Film\u2019s Ending (Spoilers) The monkey is not destroyed\u2014Hal and Petey drive away with it. The Horseman of Death cameo\u2014what does it mean? School bus cheerleader decapitation scene: Meta-commentary on horror audiences? [39:55] \u2013 The Mystery of Ricky (Fan Theory) Could Ricky be Bill\u2019s secret son? Shared trauma & absentee fathers play a major role. Closet uniform mystery\u2014not everything adds up. [42:44] \u2013 Final Thoughts & Reviews Michael: Fun film, but not scary. Dave: Perkins proves his range beyond horror. Both agree: Worth watching, especially for horror-comedy fans. [48:08] \u2013 What Would You Do If You Had The Monkey? The monkey does NOT take requests\u2014it kills on its own terms. [55:01] \u2013 Closing & Next Episode Next episode: Bong Joon-ho\u2019s Mickey 17 starring Robert Pattinson. Listener engagement: Is The Monkey horror or comedy? What do you think of its take on generational trauma? Could there be a Monkey 2? \ud83d\udcf2 Join the discussion: facebook.com\/mindframesmovies \ud83d\udcac Email Michael & Dave: mindframefilms.com ","author_name":"Mindframe(s)","author_url":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/mindframesmovies","html":"