By Mr. Will Wong
All the buzz coming out of SXSW ’24 is completely warranted for MONKEY MAN, the directorial debut of Dev Patel (Slumdog Millionaire, Lion). But not only this, he also stars in and co-writes this magnum opus which he’ll be remembered for as a career highlight.
We meet Kid (Patel), who is struggling to make ends meet, fighting in the ring but always the losing bet. As the story progresses, we learn he has experienced some great trauma in his childhood, resulting in the loss of his mother. It is his plan to exact revenge against the man responsible for her death – his target, a corrupt police official Rana (Sikandar Kher). He enters the dark underworld of a private club which sees many powerful men pass through, including Rana. But just as he circles close on his target, his plan gets foiled and he finds himself a wanted man. Kid must regroup and find his true self in order to become the person he needs to become to accomplish his mission.
Though the Film on the surface might seem an Action Revenge-Thriller, it truly is so much more. It treads so much territory with mythology and spirituality an integral component of the story. It is in ways feminist, while expressing some thoughts on faith, corruption and injustice, yet doing it in such a stylized approach that we’ve never quite seen before.
The action is choreographed so brilliantly, showcasing Patel‘s incredible range and while the violence is brute, it serves purpose and meaning, leading to an emotional buildup. The Score and Soundtrack also are important to the cadence at which Kid’s story unfolds.
Patel is ‘dev’astatingly good, really opening the dialogue on the great things that happen when talent are supported and given a chance to create. His storytelling is so focussed and the role requires what feels like tireless physical commitment. Though supported by great talent in his Cast, the Film almost entirely thrives on his greatness and the Film necessitates repeat viewings.
Universal Pictures Canada release MONKEY MAN in theatres April 5, 2024.
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