Netflix initially funded but scraped the end product of the film, but producer Jordan Peele recognized its potential and helped secure a deal with Universal to purchase the movie for $10 million.
Spoilers incoming. I am delighted to review a movie I genuinely enjoyed. Monkey Man delivers on what feels like the golden age of hand-to-hand combat. Director and star Dev Patel brings back a sense of realism that’s been missing in recent fighting films. Set in India, it’s been dubbed the Indian John Wick, but for me, what sets it apart is its focus on close-quarters combat. The film starts fairly slow in my opinion, with flashbacks of our protagonist, Kid (Dev Patel), interspersed with present-day scenes, laying the groundwork for the story. We learn about Kid’s life and the traumatic events that set him on his path of vengeance.
This is a revenge story at its core, with Kid seeking retribution against those who destroyed his home and killed his mother. As the flashbacks piece together Kid’s backstory, we see a clear picture of who his enemies are. Yet, Monkey Man goes beyond mere vengeance, delving into themes of power, religion, and socio-political control in India. Kid, mentioned to as Hanuman, after the Monkey God in Hindu mythology, sees his home destroyed to create a new commune for the religious leader Baba Shakti and his mother killed at a young age.
Fast forward to the present day, Kid infiltrates the elite club where the orchestrators of his pain reside. He starts as a dishwasher but quickly rises through the ranks to become part of the waitstaff in the club’s most prestigious section. Here, he comes face to face with Chief Rana, the man responsible for his mother’s death. A confrontation ensues, leading to a fight and a dramatic escape from the club. Injured but determined, Kid finds refuge with the hijras, a trans community led by Alpha, where he undergoes intense training to hone his physical and mental strength.
As Kid gains strength and skills, he returns to an underground fight club, where he once suffered defeat for payment on a nightly basis, to confront his adversaries. From this point forward, the ensuing battle scenes are intense and intimate, with Kid facing his foes head-on. The film reaches a climax as Kid confronts Chief Rana once again in an epic showdown. After a brutal fight, Kid emerges victorious but realizes his ultimate foe, Baba Shakti, still remains.
In a final confrontation, Kid faces Baba Shakti, and their confrontation brings them both to the brink of death. In a desperate struggle, Kid turns the tables on his nemesis, ultimately prevailing but not without sustaining serious injuries. The movie ends with Kid and Baba Shakti lying on the ground, their fates intertwined.
Monkey Man, though starting slow, evolves into one of the best hand-to-hand combat films in recent memory. I thoroughly enjoyed it, particularly Dev Patel’s dual role as director and star. Interestingly, Netflix initially funded but scraped the end product of the film, but producer Jordan Peele recognized its potential and helped secure a deal with Universal to purchase the movie for $10 million. I’m grateful for this turn of events, as Monkey Man is truly a cinematic gem deserving of recognition. I give this movie an 8/10, a solid film with captivating action sequences that make it a must-watch.
