NEON Wants to Bring Osgood Perkins’ ‘The Monkey’ to… Your Church?
The Monkey, the latest terrifying film from director Osgood Perkins, is coming to theaters on February 21. But in an unusual move, NEON has announced plans to offer church screenings of the film at the same time as its theatrical release. Yes, you read that right—your local church might just become a horror movie venue.
Churches across the U.S. can request a screening through a website with the ominous name godsbowlingstrikestonight.com. The site, which has a ‘90s-style design and features a sunlit cross, quotes a passage from the Bible—Revelation 6:8—which speaks of death and destruction.
“And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth.”
The application form is surprisingly simple, consisting of just three questions:
- “In 100 words or less, tell us why your congregation should be blessed to witness the gift of The Monkey.”
- “Does your church believe that salvation is achieved through faith or film?” (A curious dropdown selection.)
- “What is the greatest sin of all?” The only response option? “Using your phone in a movie theater.”
At the film’s premiere, Osgood Perkins explained the strange phrase used for the website’s URL. He recalled once hearing that when many people die at once, someone will say:
“God’s bowling strikes tonight.”
It’s an expression that fits perfectly with The Monkey’s dark themes.
The film is based on a short story by Stephen King and follows twin brothers who discover a mysterious wind-up monkey. Shortly after, horrific deaths start occurring around them, tearing their family apart.
Twenty-five years later, the killings start again, forcing the now-estranged brothers to face the terrifying truth about the cursed toy.
The Monkey features a talented cast, including:
- Theo James (The White Lotus)
- Tatiana Maslany (She-Hulk)
- Christian Convery (Sweet Tooth)
- Colin O’Brien (Wonka)
- Rohan Campbell (Halloween Ends)
- Sarah Levy (Schitt’s Creek)
- Elijah Wood (The Lord of the Rings)
It’s rare for horror films to be screened in religious spaces, but this bold marketing move could spark interest from curious churchgoers and horror fans alike. Whether churches will actually embrace The Monkey remains to be seen—but if they do, it could be one of the most unique film events of the year.
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments below!
