Actor Dev Patel makes his directorial debut with the intense ‘Monkey Man’, a film about vengeance and healing that features a good amount of action and drama.
The idea of seeing the talented actor step behind the camera is intriguing and the film offers many moments of brilliance, but doesn’t quite hit all the marks.
‘Monkey Man’ centres on protagonist Kid (Patel), who is seeking revenge on the people who took his mother away from him and left him badly scarred. Through his journey, he risks himself, his livelihood and his existence to achieve his singular goal, while the world and the forces that be work against him. Life is unexpected though, and Kid finds himself drawn into his new life and towards possibly falling in love.
First off, let’s talk about what the film does right: ‘Monkey Man’ is visually stunning. The cinematography is top-notch and there are scenes that pop off the screen and take you right into the heart of the action. The fight scenes are gripping and every punch and kick are so well-choreographed, one can almost feel the blows.
The casting was also on point, with each actor fitting their roles perfectly, including Sobhita Dhulipala as the main love interest Sita. The score and music also do an amazing job of conveying meaning and emotion.
It’s clear that a lot of thought and effort went into these aspects of the film, with a whopping budget of US$10 million.
Patel acted his butt off and brought a raw, intense energy to the captivating role. His performance is a major highlight and showcases his versatility and dedication. You can really tell he poured his heart into this project, which also highlights a lot of his Indian heritage.
But the film isn’t without its flaws. The storyline is hard to follow at times and there are a few moments of boredom which isn’t helped by the pacing. The characters could be better developed and the dialogue could paint a clearer picture of the internal and external struggles Kid faces.
Despite these issues, this film has flashes of brilliance, and some of the best action sequences I’ve seen in a while. It just needs a tighter script to really shine. Overall, it feels like something is missing, a certain spark that doesn’t quite ignite.
If you’re a fan of Patel, it’s worth watching just to see him in action, and to decide for yourself.
- Anne Hambuda is a poet, writer and social commentator. Follow her online or email her annehambuda@gmail.com for more.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
