Don't Piss Off Dev Patel
Film
Who would've thought 2024 would be the year of long awaited passion projects? Well, at least the first quarter of 2024 (so far). First we had Sydney Sweeney's Immaculate and now we get Dev Patel's directorial debut in Monkey Man.
Filmed during the pandemic on a small island in Indonesia, Patel hit his fair share of bumps on the road of production. Not only did he break his hand early in the filming process, a death knell for an action star's action movie wouldn't you say, but the film as a whole was almost swept away. Netflix originally purchased the global distribution rights but after seeing it and remembering they don't care much for things that aren't garbage reality shows, they almost just didn't release it. Luckily, Jordan Peele was able to see the movie, love it, and come on as a producer under his Monkeypaw Production company and finesse a theatrical deal under Universal Pictures.
Boy oh boy do we owe some thanks to Peele for that maneuver. Monkey Man is a pedal to the metal action film that needs to be seen on the big screen to truly appreciate its kinetic flair. Written, directed by and starring Patel as "Kid", a poor no name man with a mysteriously violent childhood who makes a living by getting his ass kicked in an underground boxing ring. Doing so with a monkey mask on of course, because Patel believes in themes. Our first introduction to Kid in this ring is also our first jaw dropping welcome to Patel's outstanding directing and vision. Fast paced editing combined with the choreography immerse us in the thick of the fight. Swings, kicks, and dodges are followed closely with the camera in a claustrophobic fashion that never feels too constrained. In fact, it provides a level of freedom. Our viewing is not bound to the eye level of the combatants in the ring. Instead, our gaze is flying around areas we normally aren't privy to. An electric introduction to Patel's Kid is welcome, but its the escalation of the action sets that connects a live wire straight to our brains. Entering into the seedy underground boxing world is merely round one of a twelve round bout that Patel feasts on.
The lulls between these visceral action sequences aren't lulls in the literal sense of putting us to sleep. Instead these moments are utilized to open more of Kid's past without being too derivative. Sure, the frequent usage of blurred flashbacks can be trying at times. However, the final psychedelic journey to confront the source of Kid's quest for vengeance on the Chief of Police Rana (Sikandar Kher) is well deserved. Building up our hero's motives while simultaneously delivering viciously gritty action is a match made in heaven for Monkey Man. The story doesn't need to be 100% air tight, there was certainly more to be desired from Sita's (Sobhita Dhulipala) character, because Patel's performance and direction are simply yet elegantly impressive as hell.
What's more important though, is how Monkey Man punches above its weight class. In terms of pure action films it doesn't entirely fit in the genre. When the film was first announced it was related to John Wick (including a meta reference to the film that I audibly cackled at), with some going as far to reduce it to "John Wick in India." But Monkey Man has a much more layered story that leans into a sociopolitical commentary. Exemplifying religious zeal, specifically how demagogues can influence politics through the lens of "do this for your god." Baba Shakti (Makrand Deshpande) is this rising, yet already powerful, religious leader that orchestrates the persecution of marginalized communities. Acts of violence against Muslims and the transgender community led by Alpha (Vipin Sharma) provide depth to Monkey Man as a whole, Patel's character, and all the while reflect the real world issues surmounting in India. Much of the characterization of Alpha and their temple community occurs during the traditional middle of the action film, you know the classic training montage, but inherits Patel's directorial flair in a more subdued sense. Resulting in motive construction for Kid, creative world building, and phenomenal emotional attachment to the film's hero.
At times Monkey Man appears to be propagating the religious violence its hero is attempting to curb. Visions, flashbacks, and trippy visuals symbolizing Hanuman connect the Hindu deity to Kid's actions. Sometimes going as far as to suggest that Kid is some form of Hanuman. But overall Patel's visual style packs a visceral punch through adrenaline fueled fight scenes and a structure that serves its purpose well. There are multiple sequences in Monkey Man where I couldn't help but watch jaw agape. I'm looking at you, elevator and kitchen fight scenes. In terms of debut writing and directing while also starring in the same film, Patel has some serious talent and establishes his vision quite well. Monkey Man is a kinetic spiritual journey that doesn't pull its punches, making Patel's passion project one hell of an entertaining ride.
Froth
Such gritty punch-you-in-the-mouth action requires, nay, deserves a beer that's up to the task of matching such intensity. A flavor so bold so dynamic that one second you're saying "oh shit" because Dev Patel is fighting a pimp with an axe, the next you're saying "oh shit" because your beer is just that good. Project 9 Brewing's newly released Cosmic Fury is a hoppy, all-up-in-your-face type of West Coast IPA. One that comes in hot with a 7.4% ABV, but never overpowers you. There's significant bitterness but it plays well with the citrus and tropical natures of the Simcoe, Galaxy and Idaho 7 hops.
If there's any fury you're going to have to face, you may as well take on the Cosmic Fury as opposed to Dev Patel on a rampage. That'll be a much more fun battle with fewer near death experiences from axe wielding pimps.
