Watch Monkey Puzzle

Monkey Puzzle is a heartfelt and haunting film from 2008, directed by James Fairleigh, which tells the story of a young couple, Dan and Jane, who are struggling to come to terms with a traumatic loss. They decide to move to a remote rural town, hoping to start a new life and leave their past behind. However, their fresh start is threatened when they discover that their new home is haunted by a malevolent force, which seems to be targeting their six-year-old daughter, Lilly.

As Dan and Jane try to unravel the mystery of the haunting, they find themselves drawn deeper into a web of secrets and lies, which may hold the key to their daughter's safety. Along the way, they encounter a host of strange and enigmatic characters, including a kindly old woman who may or may not be a witch, a fiercely protective local cop, and a shady antiques dealer with a hidden agenda.

One of the standout elements of Monkey Puzzle is its stunning cinematography, which captures the eerie beauty of the Australian wilderness, and creates a hauntingly atmospheric backdrop for the story. The landscape is both breathtakingly beautiful and intimidatingly foreboding, giving a real sense of the isolation and vulnerability of the couple and their daughter.

The film also boasts strong performances from its three leads. Ben Geurens is both sympathetic and enigmatic as the tormented Dan, while Ella Scott Lynch brings a sensitive and nuanced performance to her role as Jane. However, it is Ryan Johnson as the young Lilly who steals the show, imbuing her character with an innocence and vulnerability that is both heartbreaking and uplifting.

Monkey Puzzle is a film that successfully balances elements of mystery, horror, and drama, creating an experience that is both emotionally resonant and genuinely thrilling. The film builds tension gradually, never resorting to cheap jump scares or gore, instead relying on its well-crafted storyline and characters to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Monkey Puzzle is its exploration of themes of grief, loss, and rebirth. Dan and Jane's struggle to come to terms with their past, and their efforts to build a new life for themselves and their daughter, is a deeply affecting journey that will resonate with anyone who has experienced loss or trauma. The film suggests that, while the past may haunt us, we have the power to overcome it and start anew.

Overall, Monkey Puzzle is a beautifully crafted, thought-provoking film that will appeal to fans of both horror and drama. Its haunting imagery, compelling storyline, and strong performances make it a must-see for anyone interested in exploring deeper themes of human experience.

Monkey Puzzle is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.