‘Monkey Man’ REVIEW: The Rise of a Violent and Explosive Modern Legend
‘Monkey Man’ REVIEW: The Rise of a Violent and Explosive Modern Legend
Dev Patel as Kid in Monkey Man.
Monkey Man is a legendary film. But before it ever came to fruition — it was deemed impossible.
Directed by and starring Dev Patel (The Green Knight, Slumdog Millionaire), Monkey Man is an action-thriller film about a man called Kid, seeking revenge on the corrupt government who has oppressed him. Monkey Man also marks Patel’s directorial debut, who announced the project way back in 2018.
Originally, the film was slated for a release on Netflix, until the streaming giant allegedly felt its content was too risky for Indian audiences and slowly shelved it. The story gained new life when director Jordan Peele (Get Out, Us, Nope), helped Patel gain an international theatrical release for the film through Universal Pictures. Despite the reported injuries, logistical challenges, and constant production changes, Dev Patel fought through it all and made Monkey Man possible.
Taking inspiration from the cultural legend of Ramayana, Monkey Man adapts the timeless story into a modern, gritty India. It brilliantly replaces swords for guns, wrathful deities for powerful politicians, and an underdog monkey god called Hanuman for an underground monkey-masked fighter in “Kid”. Through the protagonist’s backstory and pieces of art, Monkey Man mirrors the legends that helped shape its new and legendary anti-hero.
Kid (Dev Patel) gears up for an underground fight, wearing a monkey mask.
The film is filled with adrenaline-pumping fight sequences and chase scenes that will both surprise you with its wicked creativity. Kid can kill anybody with anything, whether it be a wine glass, food tray, or his own mouth. He also gets beat up a lot for an action hero, yet we can’t help but root for him to survive. Dominated by a combination of quick-paced handheld, close-up shots and rotating screen movements, the film intensely immerses the viewer into the action.
If you want a slight idea of Monkey Man’s action; there is a scene wherein the protagonist drifts through the city streets with an e-bike to outrun the police force ala-Grand Theft Auto. It will also get you into a stylish series of blood-splashing and bone-breaking events, reminiscent of Park Chan-wook’s Oldboy (2003) and Chad Stahelski’s John Wick (2014), making for a brutally captivating experience. The concept of boring does not exist in this film, as every moment feels epic in varying degrees.
This is an impressive production built on Dev Patel with all his literal blood, sweat, and tears. He stars as Kid, an enigmatic underground fighter, fueled by a traumatized childhood and a quest for vengeance. Patel's performance alternates between a quiet, brooding intensity exploring his trauma and a cold-blooded, explosive presence showcasing his anger.
Kid (Dev Patel) stands in front of a painting depicting the Ramayana legend.
Dev Patel’s role exceeds emotions, masterfully performing diverse martial arts moves, which the actor himself has done, adding to the intensity of it all. Having been openly inspired by iconic media like Bruce Lee movies, Gareth Evans’ The Raid (2011), and Korean thriller films, comes a unique character with a flexible fighting style. With all this, Dev Patel has a potential to become a modern day action legend, if ever he keeps the fighting roles up.
Monkey Man hits hard every time, even with its political narratives. More than an entertaining action film, the story boldly incorporates real-world issues such as poverty, class divide, government corruption, land-grabbing, and illegal trafficking.
It emphasizes that Kid is not a mindless killer, rather, a man radicalized by childhood trauma from authoritarian oppression. Every shot and hit Kid throws is not only for himself, but also for the ordinary people who have suffered like him.
Kid (Dev Patel) fights an enemy.
Monkey Man truly rises as a violent and explosive modern legend. Against all odds, Dev Patel has given his best effort as both a first-time director and established actor. The inclusion of Patel’s personal passions and cultural integrations have also elevated the film above many others in the action genre. It is refreshing and ground-breaking in many ways.
It is a spectacle worth seeing on the big screen for repeat viewings and an experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat every time. I personally hope Monkey Man returns and keeps its mythology going, as there are more potential battles for Kid to fight. If not, then this film will still be one for the ages.
Monkey Man is now showing in select theaters nationwide. See where it is screening near you here.
