[SXSW 2024] MONKEY MAN -- Dev Patel Versus the World

Review by Jonathan Berk

Dev Patel doesn't need to be James Bond because he is Monkey Man. The actor's directorial debut wears its influences on its sleeves in the best way imaginable. Fans of the action genre and martial arts films spanning back the last fifty years will see homage to many classics in Patel's new film. While he has been a star for almost twenty years since breaking out in Slumdog Millionaire, he shines just as bright behind the camera. There is room to adjust the pacing, but once the film is in the third act, it becomes undeniable. 

Patel plays Kid, an anonymous young man making a living in any way he can. Driven by a trauma from his past, Kid is working to infiltrate the corrupt rulers of the city. He is stymied at every turn until something inside snaps and turns his scarred hands into weapons of retribution. ​

The influence of classic action cinema on Monkey Man is apparent. Audiences can catch a fair number of Bruce Lee movie references in some of the later fight sequences. For example, there is a clear nod to Enter the Dragon, and the general structure of the plot leans on Game of Death in some obvious ways. An incredible sequence with an axe and a shot later feels in Oldboy's vein. The John Wick comparisons will be there because of some of the cinematography and action style. Plenty of other references can be found, but they all add up to Patel's clear vision.

Patel and his crew find some very innovative ways to use the camera. There will be shots in Kid's POV that cut on impact to a wide shot. The camera goes into or behind objects that then get used as a moment of impact. The earlier fights feature a lot more cutting from one shot to another, and the later fight goes with extended takes and much wider framing. All of these choices help to give a kinetic touch to the story. Anyone questioning if Patel was up to the task of directing will get their answer: a resounding YES. 

Patel has done some action movies in recent years with Hotel Mumbai and The Wedding Guest, but those now seem like his real-life training montage. He showcases his charm, fighting ability, and muscles throughout the film. He has always been incredible at emoting, and that is no different here. The story has plenty of emotion, and Patel delivers so much on that front. When he lands punches, you can't help but cheer because there is righteous fury behind them.

Monkey Man was an exhilarating experience. It is clear from both the film itself and the amount of talking Patel did at SXSW that this was a major passion project. There is so much love in the story and some crafty filmmaking. Some very cool production design elements only heighten the overall style.  ​

Monkey Man premiered at the 2024 SXSW Film Festival, which runs March 8-16 in Austin, TX. 

Rating: 4.5/5