Monkey Man (2024)
Directed by Dev Patel
[Rated R] 1hr 53min
★★★★
Monkey Man is an action thriller about a man seeking revenge on those responsible for his traumatic past. He starts his quest in an underground fighting ring in order to make money, and he quickly begins working his way up the social hierarchy, allowing him to get closer to a group of India’s elites.
This is an incredible directorial debut from Dev Patel. The cinematography and choreography greatly enhance the action, as the protagonist’s messy fighting style matches with the frantic camera movements to further increase the visual intensity of each brutal, bloody fight. The emotional intensity of the action is also heightened as more details about the protagonist’s past trauma come to light. The movie’s themes focus on the corruption of political and religious leaders as well as their abuse of power, which is effectively juxtaposed with the protagonist’s own spiritual imagery that is depicted throughout his struggle to bring justice. While the abundance of these symbolic elements can seem overwhelming at times, the strong foundation of the overall revenge story allows the film to maintain a consistently grounded and engaging experience.
Monkey Man is an extremely entertaining film that offers a unique approach to its genres, as it takes place in India and effectively incorporates Hindu symbolism within the narrative. I recommend it for anyone interested in watching a compelling story with intense action. This film will thrill people looking for something new and exciting while also satisfying those who want to experience an enjoyable action movie.
Monkey Man is now playing in theaters. It’s also available to rent or buy on online platforms and is coming soon to Peacock. Click here to watch the Official Trailer.
– Review by Will Hopper