There is no doubt that John Wick’s dynamic, revenge-fueled action odyssey alongside international martial arts spectacles, including The Raid and Ong Bak, have together metamorphized a once-stagnant genre into something that continues to shock, awe, and push boundaries. While some John Wick-inspired duds certainly exist, others excel and even separate themselves from the rest of the pack, including Keanu Reeves’s famous action icon. Enter Dev Patel’s Monkey Man, a singularly unique neo-noir action thriller that sits atop its own pedestal and is all the better for it.
Sure, the Wick similarities may seem abundant at first. In his directorial debut, Patel, who also serves as lead actor, producer, and writer, stars as the nameless “Kid,” an orphaned underground fighter who makes a living getting beaten and battered. Kid seeks vengeance against the corrupt police chief (played menacingly by Sikandar Kher) who killed his mother years ago, and his plan to infiltrate the exclusive club Chief Rana frequents quickly gets set into motion. What follows is a dizzying, blood-soaked journey sprawling through the streets of this fictional Indian city that steadily shears away any disingenuous comparisons to John Wick and other action epics.
Courtesy of Universal Pictures
Unlike the Reeves-led assassin story, Patel’s Kid undergoes growth as both a fighter and a man. His martial arts abilities are lackluster, and his desire for vengeance is uncontrolled to the point of sloppiness. After an initial confrontation with Rana and some necessary breaks in the movie’s otherwise frenetic pacing, Kid learns valuable lessons that make Monkey Man’s conclusion all the more satisfying. Further differentiating the film from others is the increasingly apparent spiritual and political subject matter at the heart of Kid’s character and the overarching plot.
Throughout the story, Kid’s development parallels that of the Indian deity Hanuman, whose face resembles a monkey, much like the monkey mask Kid dons in his illegal underground fights as “Kong.” His budding reconnection to his faith, aided by cherished memories of his mother’s prayers during childhood and other characters in the film, assists his overall growth and gives more meaning to his vendetta against Chief Rana and the movie’s ultimate antagonist, a duplicitous figure meant to embody religious corruption.
Courtesy of Universal Pictures
So, despite the seemingly familiar motivations for Kid’s revenge, the philosophically heavier matters at play eventually make his goals feel much more meaningful and justified. Monkey Man’s resolution arguably devalues the broadening scope of these spiritual and political corruption themes, but realizing that it is Kid’s story is essential. Patel and the rest of the cast excellently exhibit the range of emotions and athletic prowess necessary to tell this story.
Speaking of athleticism, the film’s stunt choreography—probably its closest functional similarity to John Wick and projects like it—showcases flashes of the Western thriller and The Raid with its free-flowing action cinematography. At times, however, Monkey Man is even more bloody, brutal, and exciting. The most vital distinguishing feature, apart from the prominent Indian setting and all the dressings that come with it, is Sharone Meir’s breathtaking cinematography. The camerawork often feels incredibly intimate, reminiscent of claustrophobic anxiety thrillers such as Uncut Gems or Good Time, creating a disorienting atmosphere during the movie’s most intense sequences to allow the audience to sympathize with Kid’s chaotic brawls and blunders.
Courtesy of Universal Pictures
In addition to Monkey Man’s stunning artistic cinematography, the editing and score also help craft a striking vision. Patel’s first time in the director’s chair is nearly unbelievable, as he and his crack team put together an exhilarating and well-executed tale of vengeance amidst an unconventional environment. And though Patel’s influences, including the legendary Bruce Lee, are felt throughout Monkey Man’s marvelously-paced runtime, his directorial debut still establishes a memorable identity next to plenty of tired impersonators.
Monkey Man is now playing in theaters nationwide.
I’ve had a hard time determining if this looked good or horrible by the ads. Good to see that it’s at least passable.
Heard really good things about this one. Really excited to see it
I was fortunate to see this film with Robert at the cinema in Grand Blanc and I thought it was brilliant. Yes, there are similarities & inspirations to John Wick, but those are mostly relegated to the final 20 minutes of the film.
What we have here is an Indian-centric story of a young boy who is permanently traumatized by the political & (subtle) violence perpetrated upon his small village & viscerally depicted on his mother.
The parallels cannot be missed as the antongists in this film mirror the current Indian government under Prime Minister Modi with his right wing Hindu Nationalist positions.
I absolutely loved this film and would recommend it to anyone who wants to see a well-made action flick directed & co-written by the main star of the film.
I can’t wait to see what Dev Patel makes next.
It looks interesting and cool. I might see it.
I was thinking about seeing this! Thanks for the review!
Super violent revenge movie. Very well made with great action scenes. Great directorial effort by Dev Patel who also stars. 3 of 4 stars.
I hated this film, which simply never let up in its relentless camera movements, rapid cutting, ear-splitting soundtrack and punishing violence. I actually had to step out twice because i felt so pummeled. I personally felt the story was full of Indian cliches (a friend I went with was born and raised in India and she thought it was laughable) and suspect Orientalism.