Monkey Man (2024) | Film Review

Monkey Man, Dev Patel’s debut directing foray which premiered at SXSW in March to a raucous reception, is more than it would seem on the surface. For those expecting John Wick Visits Singapore, consider this more of an origin story that melds together action, Indian mythology, and a heavy dose of emotional resonance. There are long, tangible stretches without a single fist careening into a face, because Patel cares more about the story than the glory.

The film revolves around Kid (Dev Patel), a man obsessed with revenge over what happened to his mother as a child – which we learn more about as time carries on – and his burgeoning understanding of what his purpose truly is. Could it even possibly pertain to the Hindu God Hanuman? As Kid takes pounding after pounding in seedy boxing matches (the ever-delightful Sharlto Copley pops in as a fight promoter), his journey emerges on the outside of the ring, set against the deafening roar of this fictional Indian city’s uprising of class warfare.

Faith and superstition collide as Kid repurposes his revenge into maturity as he seeks the elimination of those who destroyed his childhood, including the Chief of Police (Sikandar Kher) and the man at the top, a political deity of sorts. There is depth and emotion to Patel’s character and his plight – despite his foes carrying very little development of any kind – and he wastes no time doing everything he can to showcase how acting and world building still matter, even when surrounded by a tornado of ass-kickery.

Speaking of, the fight scenes are chaotic and immersive. Though the first half of the film truly struggles to find its hold of the camera (an extended escape scene is far too closely filmed and hastily edited to truly take in every element as it is occurring), and it proves to be a distracting component for a set-piece meant to get the heart pumping. Once we get to the second half, though, the maturation of both the filmmaker and the camera settles in for a phenomenal final act. Brutality, ingenuity, a rousing soundtrack, and blood packs aplenty add up to one visceral finale.

Dev Patel has famously stated that Jordan Peele saved his film through his production deal at Universal, and that very much seems the case. But the fact remains that the pieces were already here, as Patel carefully put them all into place. Overall, Monkey Man eventually overcomes its messy extreme close-up and shaky-cam beginnings to find its footing and finally land as a thrilling, emotional ride worth taking. Furthermore, it cements Dev Patel as a director worth watching in the future.

Listen to our full podcast covering the 2024 SXSW Film & TV Festival on this episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast: