Raise your hand if you had Dev Patel on your bingo card as the next action movie star. Didn’t think so. Now, raise your hand if you also had him directing an action movie starring himself as an action hero. I didn't either.
Well, he does both (actually, he also co-writes, and co-produces alongside Jordan Peele) in Monkey Man, the bare-knuckles action thriller which was originally intended for Netflix before being dropped, supposedly due to the film’s uncomfortable political undertones. It’s that very discomfort that makes the film what it is. Yes, it’s uncomfortable, but it’s also a whole hell of a lot of fun.
In a world rife with revenge fantasies, Monkey Man emerges as a rare gem that artfully blends unbridled vengeance with a pointed critique of social inequities in India. Directed by Dev Patel, known for his dynamic performances in front of the camera, the film marks a striking directorial debut, showcasing an adept handling of the complex narrative and powerful action sequences.
Patel’s film is a revenge-driven action thriller wrapped tightly around both the raw energy of Indian mythology and the pervasive impact of social classification. The story follows “Kid” (Patel), a character whose trajectory from rags to vengeance-fueled rogue, echoes the tale of Hanuman, the revered Monkey God. This parallel extends beyond metaphor by injecting the narrative with a texture of mythical struggle against the injustices of a deeply ingrained caste system.
Via flashbacks, we learn that Kid grew up in the very bottom of the caste system in a fictional Indian city. After his mother was killed and family uprooted from their destroyed village, Kid worked and scrapped his way up the system with hopes of eventually avenging his mother’s death.
After years of suppressed rage, he begins fighting in an underground boxing ring while wearing a monkey mask to conceal his identity. He soon discovers a way to infiltrate the enclave of the city’s sinister elite. As his childhood trauma boils over, his mysteriously scarred hands unleash an explosive campaign of retribution to settle the score with the men who took everything from him and his family.
The action sequences are where Monkey Man truly stands out, especially considering Patel's novice status as a director. These scenes are viciously enthralling—both uber-violent and gritty in the same breath. The martial arts choreography on hand is a visual feast comparable to an elaborate dance of fury and focus which contributes significantly to the emotional depth that runs beneath the fight for justice. Sharone Meir’s brilliant cinematography toggles between the austere backdrop of Kid's childhood and his present-day vendetta, while crafting an energetic tapestry that draws viewers deep into Kid's troubled psyche.
While the kinetic camerawork occasionally succumbs to an overzealous shakiness during the heat of conflict, this raw approach manages to amplify the primal rage and desperation that fuel Kid's quest. Though probably intentional to hide the flaws, it certainly works. What’s most impressive is how the movie, albeit steeped in an overtly bleak tone, humanizes its central figure by transforming an archetypal character into a flesh-and-blood crusader battling a corrupt society. Patel is an unquestioned badass, albeit an unexpected one. Count us in for the coming onslaught of Monkey Man sequels and spin-offs down the road.
Monkey Man grips the audience with a story that's as emotionally charged as it is electrifying. Patel never shies away from paralleling iconic action flicks such as John Wick, Old Boy, or any of the hundreds of Korean martial arts films, yet does so with a keen awareness of his artistic voice. The result is a film that reverberates with authenticity and ambition—qualities that will particularly enamor martial arts enthusiasts and action aficionados alike.
Through deft storytelling and a strong directorial hand, Dev Patel has delivered an experience that not only thrills and excites but also provokes thought and empathy. Monkey Man is more than a cinematic spectacle; it is a visceral odyssey into the heart of darkness, and against all odds, a beacon of triumphant spirit.
MPAA Rating: R.
Runtime: 121 mins
Director: Dev Patel
Writer: Paul Angunawela; John Collee; Dev Patel
Cast: Dev Patel; Sharlto Copley; Pitobash
Genre: Action | Thriller
Tagline: One small ember can burn down everything.
Memorable Movie Quote: "You like John Wick? I have the same gun from the movie!"
Theatrical Distributor: Universal Pictures
Official Site: https://www.facebook.com/monkeymanthemovie2024
Release Date: April 5, 2024
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
Synopsis: An anonymous young man unleashes a campaign of vengeance against the corrupt leaders who murdered his mother and continue to systemically victimize the poor and powerless.
