When a film teases its audience with the title Monkey Man, one might anticipate a quirky, light-hearted romp, perhaps filled with mischievous humor. However, Dev Patel’s Monkey Man is anything but light-hearted. It’s a bloody, intense action thriller that combines influences from both Western and Eastern cinema, including martial arts films, John Wick-style vengeance, and Indian mythological overtones.
An Unlikely Action Hero Emerges
Dev Patel, best known for roles in Slumdog Millionaire and Lion, takes a leap from his usual dramatic fare into the grueling world of action. Not only does he star in Monkey Man, but he also steps behind the camera in his directorial debut, and the result is as bold as it is ambitious. Patel plays the mysterious “Kid”, a young man on a violent path of vengeance after corrupt leaders are responsible for his mother’s death. Donning a rubber monkey mask, the character’s symbolic connection to Hanuman, the Hindu monkey god, is woven throughout the film, offering both spiritual depth and cultural nuance.
While it’s tempting to compare Monkey Man to other vengeance-driven narratives, such as John Wick, Patel manages to distinguish his film with its blend of myth and gritty realism. The action sequences are unapologetically violent—bones break, blood splatters, and every punch feels raw and visceral. This intensity works in favor of the film’s frenetic pace, although at times, the action threatens to overshadow the emotional depth Patel clearly wants to convey.
Plot: A Spiraling Tale of Revenge
At its core, Monkey Man follows a straightforward revenge plot. Kid, after years of trauma and living on the streets, becomes embroiled in an underworld fight club, ruled by the vicious Tiger (played by District 9 star Sharlto Copley). His true aim, however, is to take down the corrupt elites responsible for his mother’s death, including the powerful Rana Singh, played by Sikandar Kher.
Much of the film builds on these simmering tensions, giving the audience glimpses of Kid’s life through frequent flashbacks, which sometimes bog down the pacing of the story. These sequences, though emotionally charged, feel a bit excessive and can disrupt the film’s momentum, a common critique among reviewers. The narrative often cuts back to Kid’s childhood or his mother’s demise to remind the audience of the weight of his mission, but it risks diluting the tension Patel works so hard to cultivate.
However, when the movie hits its stride—particularly in the chaotic, bone-crunching action sequences—it’s hard to look away. Patel seems most comfortable when directing action, and there’s a rawness to the fight choreography that feels more grounded and brutal compared to the slick, stylized violence often seen in modern action films like Mission: Impossible or John Wick.
Action with a Purpose: More Than Just Vengeance
For those expecting a non-stop barrage of fight sequences, Monkey Man might feel like a slow burn. It takes its time building up Kid’s journey, allowing the audience to fully immerse in his world of poverty, political corruption, and moral decay. The action, while intense and gory, is purposeful, driven by Kid’s singular mission to seek justice, not just for his mother but for a society exploited by its elites.
Patel’s Monkey Man isn’t just about the visceral thrills. There’s an underlying political message—one that critiques the systemic corruption, caste inequalities, and social discrimination in contemporary India. The film touches on issues like land theft, exploitation of the poor, and the hijra community (a marginalized group in India), giving Monkey Man a socio-political edge not often seen in revenge thrillers.
This depth gives the film an added layer of significance, although at times, the political commentary feels heavy-handed. Patel, in his eagerness to make a statement, risks overstuffing the narrative with too many themes, leaving certain subplots underdeveloped. For instance, the hijra community that briefly cares for Kid disappears from the story, even though their involvement could have added more emotional weight to Kid’s quest.
Flaws in the Mask: Where Monkey Man Stumbles
Despite its strengths, Monkey Man is far from a perfect film. As a debut director, Patel’s ambition is both his strength and his weakness. The film juggles too many ideas, from revenge and trauma to mythological symbolism and political critique, without giving each one the room to breathe. The frequent use of flashbacks, as mentioned earlier, feels like an attempt to compensate for pacing issues and leaves certain sections of the film feeling sluggish.
Moreover, certain characters are introduced with much promise but ultimately fade into the background. Sobhita Dhulipala’s portrayal of Sita, a sex worker who initially seems integral to Kid’s journey, is ultimately underutilized. Likewise, Pitobash’s Alphonso, a comic-relief sidekick of sorts, is another wasted opportunity for deeper character development.
Final Verdict: A Stylish, Brutal Debut with Room to Grow
Despite its narrative hiccups, Monkey Man delivers where it counts: stylish, brutal action and a fresh take on the well-worn revenge genre. Patel has clearly taken inspiration from the likes of Enter the Dragon and The Raid, but he injects enough originality into his storytelling to make the film stand on its own. The fight sequences alone are worth the price of admission, with a highlight being a gory showdown involving an elevator and an unforgettable knife kill.
As a directorial debut, Monkey Man showcases Patel’s potential behind the camera, even if the film itself is somewhat uneven. The ambition is commendable, and while Patel may not have fully mastered the balance between action, myth, and politics, there’s enough here to suggest that his future projects will refine and build on these early foundations.
For those who are fans of Patel’s earlier dramatic work, Monkey Man will undoubtedly be a shocking transformation, both physically and stylistically. For action aficionados, it offers plenty of thrills, with some genuinely inventive fight choreography and a palpable sense of urgency.
In the end, Monkey Man may be a flawed gem, but it’s a gem nonetheless, offering a glimpse of what could be the start of an exciting new chapter in Patel’s already impressive career. Dev Patel, the action star, has arrived. And for that alone, Monkey Man is worth the watch.
FAQs about Monkey Man (2024):
What is Monkey Man about?
Monkey Man follows the story of a young man, known as “Kid,” who seeks revenge on corrupt officials who caused his mother’s death. The film blends intense action sequences with themes of political corruption, Indian mythology, and social inequality.
Who stars in Monkey Man?
Dev Patel stars as the main character, Kid, alongside actors like Sharlto Copley, Sikandar Kher, and Sobhita Dhulipala.
Is Monkey Man an action film?
Yes, Monkey Man is a brutal action-thriller, filled with gory fight scenes and intense hand-to-hand combat. However, it also delves into political themes and character-driven storytelling.
Is this Dev Patel’s first film as a director?
Yes, Monkey Man marks Dev Patel’s directorial debut. He also co-wrote the screenplay and stars in the lead role.
When was Monkey Man released?
The film was released on April 5, 2024, following its world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival in March 2024.
What are some criticisms of the film?
While Monkey Man is praised for its action and visual style, it has been criticized for over-relying on flashbacks and juggling too many themes without fully developing them.
