Monkey Man (2024)

A Wild Rickshaw Ride from Chaos to Catharsis

What can I even say about Monkey Man? This movie is one of those rare experiences that feels like a punch and a hug all at once. On one hand, it’s raw, gritty, and chaotic—think a street fight that somehow veers into philosophical musings. On the other hand, it’s filled with a surprisingly tender kind of introspection. This is the kind of film that makes you feel like you’re on a rollercoaster with no seatbelt, and yet, somehow, you trust it to take you where you need to go.

Set against the vibrant chaos of modern-day India, Monkey Man dives deep into themes of redemption, revenge, and survival, but don’t expect any of that to come wrapped up in a neat little package. The story centers around a underground fighter seeking justice (or is it vengance?), and let’s just say he’s got a lot on his plate. Dev Patel, who directed and stars in this, brings a performance that’s rough around the edges in the best possible way—he’s wounded, intense, and captivating. He’s a character who feels real in his flaws and frustrations, and you’re rooting for him even when you’re not quite sure if you should be.

What I found fascinating about Monkey Man is how it’s not afraid to lean into the absurd, yet it manages to keep its emotional core intact. One moment, you’re watching a brutal street brawl, and the next, you’re hit with a scene so reflective it almost feels like poetry. This was especially true right before the climax of the film, where Patel’s character seeks refuge in a temple to Ardhanarishvara. The group of Hijra who live there nurse Patel back to health and then help him regain his humanity in a beautiful scene with a drummer. The film doesn’t shy away from the darkness, but it balances that with moments of unexpected humor and humanity. It’s a bit like life in that way—messy, unpredictable, sometimes violent, but with glimmers of hope that catch you off guard.

If you’re looking for polished and predictable, Monkey Man is probably not for you. This is a movie that thrives in the chaos, embracing it in a way that feels refreshingly unfiltered. It’s raw and imperfect, but that’s what makes it so compelling.

Can I sink my teeth into it? Monkey Man is a heaping serving of my favorite lamb makhani from the local Indian restraunt: hot, spicy, and nourishing—definitely worth every bite.