Spanking the Monkey

Watch Spanking the Monkey

"A gripping comedy about letting go."
  • NR
  • 1994
  • 1 hr 40 min
  • 6.3  (6,679)
  • 66

Spanking the Monkey is a 1994 independent film directed by David O. Russell. The movie stars Jeremy Davies, Alberta Watson, and Benjamin Hendrickson. It is an awkward coming-of-age story that delves into the theme of mental breakdown, sexual frustration, and domestic abuse. The story revolves around the life of Raymond Aibelli(Jeremy Davies), a young medical student who has returned home for summer break. His plans of spending the summer researching with his professor are thwarted when he discovers his mother, Susan(Ablerta Watson), has injured her leg and is unable to move around. Raymond, being the responsible son he is, decides to look after his mother for the summer. However, his mother's constant nagging and belittlement combined with his own frustrations cause him to have an affair with his mother.

As the movie progresses, Raymond's mental state deteriorates further. His father, Tom(Benjamin Hendrickson), is an abusive man who constantly berates his wife and son. He spends most of his time drinking, and when he is not drunk, he is a complete control freak. Tom takes pride in being the breadwinner of the family and often rubs it in Raymond's face. This leads to a strained relationship between father and son.

At the beginning of the movie, Raymond is depicted as being socially awkward and has trouble communicating with others. He is naive and does not know how to handle the situation he finds himself in. However, as the movie progresses, he begins to become more assertive and takes charge of his life. He starts to stand up to his mother and father, asserting his independence.

Susan, on the other hand, is portrayed as being sexually frustrated due to her injured leg, which has rendered her immobile. Her husband does not satisfy her sexually and often rejects her advances. This causes her to turn her attention towards Raymond, who reciprocates her advances. Susan's domineering behavior towards Raymond often borders on incestuous, and the scenes between the mother and son can be quite unsettling.

Spanking the Monkey is a dark and disturbing movie that delves into the themes of domestic abuse, incest, and mental illness. While the movie can be difficult to watch, it is an honest portrayal of the breakdown of familial relationships. The movie's strength lies in the exceptional performances of the cast, especially Jeremy Davies and Alberta Watson.

Jeremy Davies delivers a nuanced performance as Raymond, expertly portraying the character's descent into madness. His mannerisms, speech patterns, and expressions capture the character's awkwardness and anxiety perfectly. Alberta Watson's portrayal of Susan is equally impressive. She brings a vulnerability to the character that makes the audience empathize with her plight. Benjamin Hendrickson's portrayal of Tom is chilling; the character is a monster, and Hendrickson plays him with great conviction.

The film's pacing is slow, and the story can drag at times. The movie is not for everyone, and some viewers may find the subject matter too uncomfortable to watch. However, for those who can stomach the movie's more disturbing aspects, it is a rewarding experience. The film is a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of the psychological complexities of family relationships. It is a film that will stay with you long after the end credits have rolled.

In conclusion, Spanking the Monkey is a movie that confronts uncomfortable subject matter with honesty and sensitivity. It is a deconstruction of the American family and a commentary on the damaging effects of abuse and neglect. The film illuminates the darkest corners of the human psyche and compels the audience to confront the taboos of society. It is a movie that demands attention and respect, and one that challenges its audience to confront their own prejudices and assumptions.

Spanking the Monkey
Spanking the Monkey doesn't appear to be available from any streaming services.
Add this movie to your Watchlist to get notified when it's available.
Description
  • Release Date
    1994
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 40 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.3  (6,679)
  • Metascore
    66
Watch all of
Do you have Hulu?
Ad Info - This movie may not be available on Hulu
No thanks, I'm not interested in Hulu