Is The Monkey Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Monkey is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Animation movies.
It features a runtime of 17 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Monkey Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2021, The Monkey emerges as a significant entry in the Animation, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of In 1588, a castaway from the Spanish Armada, sent from Portugal by Philip II of Spain to conquer England, is captured on an Irish beach. Unlike standard genre fare, The Monkey attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Lorenzo Degl'Innocenti, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Animation elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Animation is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Monkey features a noteworthy lineup led by Colm Meaney. Supported by the likes of Àlex Brendemühl and Eduardo Araujo de Barros, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Colm Meaney, Àlex Brendemühl, Eduardo Araujo de Barros manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2021 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Animation, Drama space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, The Monkey is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of The Monkey follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 17 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, The Monkey resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Animation landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 6.3/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, The Monkey is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. In 1588, a castaway from the Spanish Armada, sent from Portugal by Philip II of Spain to conquer England, is captured on an Irish beach. There he is tried, declared guilty and hanged to death. All of this would be reasonable according to the laws of war and hatred among humans. The problem is the prisoner is a monkey.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of The Monkey (2021) is overwhelmingly divisive. With an audience rating of 6.3/10 and strong performance metrics in the Animation, Drama categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Colm Meaney, Àlex Brendemühl, Eduardo Araujo de Barros or the visual majesty of its technical execution, The Monkey is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2021. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Where to Watch The Monkey Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
FilminParents Guide & Age Rating
The Monkey has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.3/10, and global collection metrics, The Monkey stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2021 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Monkey movie hit or flop?
The Monkey has received mixed reviews with a 6.3/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Monkey worth watching?
The Monkey is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Animation, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Monkey online?
The Monkey is currently available for streaming on Filmin. You can also check for it on platforms like Filmin depending on your region.
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Synopsis
In 1588, a castaway from the Spanish Armada, sent from Portugal by Philip II of Spain to conquer England, is captured on an Irish beach. There he is tried, declared guilty and hanged to death. All of this would be reasonable according to the laws of war and hatred among humans. The problem is the prisoner is a monkey.