The Monkey is a dark comedy horror film based on Stephen King’s short story, is set to release in theaters on February 21, 2025. Directed by Osgood Perkins, the film stars Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, Elijah Wood, and Christian Convery. The movie follows twin brothers Hal and Bill as they confront a cursed toy monkey that causes a string of gruesome deaths. Below, we break down why the film is rated R and whether it’s suitable for younger audiences.
Parents Guide: Why Is The Monkey Rated R?
The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has rated The Monkey R due to strong bloody violence, gore, pervasive language, and some sexual references.
Language
Expect frequent and strong use of profanity throughout the film. Characters use explicit language, which might be inappropriate for younger viewers.
Violence and Gore
- The movie contains graphic depictions of violent deaths, including scenes involving blood, gore, and disturbing injuries.
- Some moments feature intense suspense and jump scares, adding to the film’s unsettling tone.
- The deaths caused by the cursed toy monkey are depicted in gruesome detail, which may be too disturbing for children and sensitive viewers.
Sexual References
- While there are no explicit sexual scenes, the film includes some suggestive dialogue and mild sexual innuendos.
- These moments are brief but contribute to the film’s mature rating.
Themes and Tone
The story’s dark themes of grief, familial trauma, and the supernatural may feel intense for younger audiences. The blend of horror and comedy may appeal to fans of the genre but could confuse or overwhelm children.
Is The Monkey Suitable for a 13-Year-Old?
Due to its R rating, The Monkey is not recommended for viewers under 17 without parental guidance. Here’s why:
- The violent and gory scenes can be frightening and disturbing.
- The pervasive use of explicit language may be inappropriate for younger audiences.
- The film’s dark and eerie themes may not be suitable for children or teens sensitive to horror elements.
What Parents Can Do?
- Watch the Trailer: Get a sense of the film’s tone and content.
- Read Reviews: Look for detailed reviews highlighting specific scenes of concern.
- Preview the Movie: Watch the film yourself before deciding if it’s appropriate for your child.
- Discuss with Teens: If your teenager wants to watch it, have a conversation about its mature themes and content.
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for The Monkey?
A: The Monkey is rated R for strong bloody violence, gore, pervasive language, and some sexual references.
Q: Why is The Monkey rated R?
A: The R rating is due to intense scenes of violence, frequent profanity, and brief sexual references.
Q: Is The Monkey scary?
A: Yes, the film combines horror and suspense with graphic depictions of violence and disturbing supernatural elements.
Q: Can a 13-year-old watch The Monkey?
A: The film is not recommended for viewers under 17 due to its graphic and mature content. Parental discretion is advised.
Q: What is The Monkey about?
A: The Monkey follows twin brothers Hal and Bill as they attempt to destroy a cursed toy monkey responsible for a series of horrifying deaths.
Q: When will The Monkey be released?
A: The Monkey will be released in U.S. theaters on February 21, 2025.
Q: Who stars in The Monkey?
A: The film features Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, Elijah Wood, Christian Convery, Colin O’Brien, Rohan Campbell, and Sarah Levy.