Skins, Lion, Slumdog Millionaire – It’s undeniable Dev Patel has some phenomenal acting credits, but it’s his directional debut Monkey Man that has really got fans talking in 2024.
Monkey Man delves deep into the gritty underbelly of a corrupt cityscape, weaving a tale of vengeance, redemption, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Set against the backdrop of a forest village in India and the bustling metropolis of Yatana, the film follows Kid, portrayed with raw intensity by Dev Patel, on his quest for justice after witnessing the brutal murder of his mother, Neela, played by Adithi Kalkunte.
With his hands scarred and heart hardened, Kid navigates the treacherous streets, adopting the guise of “Bobby” as he infiltrates the criminal underworld controlled by the ruthless Baba Shakti, portrayed with chilling charisma by Makarand Deshpande, and his enforcer Rana Singh, portrayed by Sikandar Kher.
Patel’s directorial debut captures the essence of neo-noir, blending pulse-pounding action with poignant moments of introspection as Kid grapples with his demons and finds solace and purpose within the marginalized hijra community.
Supported by a stellar ensemble cast including Sharlto Copley, Pitobash Tripathy, and Sobhita Dhulipala, Monkey Man is a gripping cinematic experience that leaves an indelible mark on the soul, reminding us of the enduring power of hope amidst darkness.
Is Monkey Man similar to John Wick?
Both Monkey Man and John Wick share compelling similarities in their narratives and character arcs, despite exploring different thematic territories.
The Kid and John Wick are both driven by a profound desire for revenge, propelling them to extraordinary lengths in their respective quests for justice. Both also endure staggering amounts of punishment, surviving harrowing injuries that would cripple ordinary individuals – additionally, the inclusion of dogs in their missions adds depth to their characters, serving as loyal companions against the backdrop of high society intrigue.
While John Wick dazzles with its stylish action sequences and meticulously choreographed fight scenes, Monkey Man takes a grittier approach, delving into social themes that dissect the disparities between India’s affluent elite and the marginalized masses. Despite their differing stylistic choices, both films masterfully utilize similar core elements to tell distinct stories and offer unique cinematic experiences.
Is Monkey Man worth watching?
Considering the early reviews, yes, Monkey Man should definitely be on your list of must-watch movies.
At this stage, the movie is sitting on a high 84% on the often-harsh Rotten Tomatoes. On IMDB, it’s sitting on a 7.3 out of 10 and Metacritic has scored it 70%.
High-reviews aside, it’s not only publications loving the new movie, with TikTok users also raving about Dev Patel’s latest project.
Why is Monkey Man rated R?
In Australia Monkey Man isn’t rated R, instead, it’s rated MA15+ for “strong, bloody violence.”
Where to Watch Monkey Man
At this stage, Aussies can still catch Monkeyt Man at cinemas across the nation, but it will soon be moving to a streaming platform.
In May, Monkey Man will be available to rent or buy on Prime Video.
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