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Monkey Man, a new action film produced by horror legend Jordan Peele, is receiving rave reviews ahead of its April release date, with critics comparing it to films like The Raid and the John Wick franchise.
Directed by Dev Patel, who also co-wrote the script and stars in the lead role, the film centers on Kid (Patel), a downtrodden young man who makes ends meet by competing in an underground fight club night after night. During each of his fights, he wears a gorilla mask, which may hide his identity but does not prevent him from receiving a black and blue beating every night.
However, his life takes a turn when he decides to take revenge on the corrupt leaders responsible for his mother’s death, who have been taking advantage of the poor and powerless of India.
Sobhita Dhulipala, Pitobash, Vipin Sharma, Sikandar Kher and Sharlto Copley also feature in the film, which, if the trailer is anything to go by, is going to be quite the gory bonanza.
“Dev Patel receives a standing ovation for being the writer, director, producer and star of MONKEY MAN, a visually spectacular action-revenge film that draws on Bruce Lee, Korean cinema, The Raid and John Wick.” one critic wrote outside of SXSW. “The crowd went crazy.”
“Monkey Man: Dev Patel has rocket fuel in his veins as an action director and action star. One of the most assured, kinetic debuts I’ve ever seen: gorgeous, crunchy and relentless. What a blast.” said anotherwhile a third tweeted: “Monkey Man is an amazing debut film by Dev Patel. Loaded with bone-breaking violence and blood splashing everywhere. The #sxsw audience went crazy many times during the world premiere. I can’t believe this is his first film. “Definitely worth seeing. a cinema.”
Keep scrolling to read some more enthusiastic reactions below…
Monkey Man is absolutely phenomenal. The cinematography is a delight, the sound design is impressive, the action is like you’ve never seen before, the soundtrack/score is incredible… there’s a heartbreaking story and even a bit of comedy. Wow. I’m impressed. #MonkeyMan #sxsw pic.twitter.com/RGC8FubHqKMarch 12, 2024
MONKEY MAN: Shit, I never thought I’d see an action sequence set to a Bloodywood song? Dev Patel comes out swinging, stabbing and pulverizing in his hard-hitting debut. Dev’s adoration for action cinema shines through as clear influences merge with his passionate storytelling. #SXSW pic.twitter.com/kqoiJoWXyqMarch 12, 2024
MONKEY MAN is more than just having a good time. Dev Patel takes his time telling stories, weaving personal tragedy with inner strength, mythology with modern political revolutions. It’s an action tour de force, full of talent and fucking passion in every frame. #SXSW pic.twitter.com/hhKyJRM8oWMarch 12, 2024
Dev Patel’s ambition behind the camera is surpassed only by his talent. MONKEY MAN is an incredibly ambitious first film, with constantly escalating action scenes strengthened by the story’s strong emotional core. Get ready for action star Dev Patel. #SXSW pic.twitter.com/gjO86SGgIcMarch 12, 2024
THE MONKEY MAN goes crazy. Dev Patel establishes him as an A-level action star in his hard-hitting, gut-wrenching, badass directorial debut. Wild and intense fights spread throughout the scenes, this feels like a shot of pure adrenaline. #SXSW pic.twitter.com/2hOXkGO3dZMarch 12, 2024
Monkey Man premieres on April 5. For more, check out our pick of the best action movies or our breakdown of all the exciting upcoming movies coming your way.