🎬 MOVIE REVIEW: Affenkönig (Monkey King, 2016)
Directed by: Oliver Rihs
Starring: Jan-Gregor Kremp, Oliver Korittke, Peer Martiny, Marc Hosemann, Jule Böwe
Genre: Dark Comedy / Satire
Verdict: 3.5 / 5 Stars — A sharp, chaotic, and unapologetically wild dissection of mid-life crisis, toxic masculinity, and the erosion of bourgeois ideals.
Overview & Narrative
Directed by Swiss auteur Oliver Rihs, Affenkönig (Monkey King) is an explosive, high-octane comedy of manners that trades polite social boundaries for absolute psychological and physical anarchy. The film brings together four childhood friends—now in their late forties—for a weekend reunion at a luxurious estate in the idyllic countryside of Provence, France.
What begins as a nostalgic celebration for Wolfgang’s 50th birthday quickly devolves into a manic battleground. As booze, drugs, old rivalries, and unhealed wounds resurface, the group’s polished, middle-class exteriors crumble. When dynamic, unpredictable personalities collide with unexpected local guests, the retreat turns into a chaotic downward spiral that forces each man to confront the failure of his youth, his fading vitality, and the absurdities of modern manhood.
Directorial Vision & Aesthetic Style
True to Oliver Rihs's signature cinematic voice, Affenkönig operates at a relentless, kinetic pace:
Unfiltered Satire of Bourgeois Hypocrisy: Rihs uses the picturesque, sun-bathed setting of Provence as an intentional contrast to the ugly, chaotic behavior of his protagonists. He relentlessly deconstructs the facade of middle-aged success, laying bare the insecurity, ego, and desperation underneath.
Kinetic Camerawork & Pacing: Moving away from static, theatrical farce, Rihs employs dynamic handheld camerawork, punchy editing, and rapid-fire dialogue. The camera acts as an active, erratic participant in the mayhem, driving the narrative forward with relentless momentum.
Anarchic Energy Meets Character Realism: While the narrative pushes into wildly absurd, almost slapstick territory, Rihs grounds the core dynamics in recognizable human flaws. The chemistry between the ensemble cast makes the long-standing resentments and genuine brotherhood feel believable amidst the madness.
Performances & Impact
The ensemble cast delivers ferocious, physical performances. Jan-Gregor Kremp leads the group with a raw, larger-than-life energy as the titular "Monkey King," while Oliver Korittke, Peer Martiny, and Marc Hosemann provide the perfect comedic counterweights, each embodying a distinct archetype of mid-life disillusionment.
Affenkönig stands out in Oliver Rihs's filmography as a vital bridge between his underground Berlin satire (Schwarze Schafe) and his later, high-profile dramatic works (Caged Birds). It is an unapologetic, wickedly funny, and chaotic examination of aging rebels who refuse to grow up.
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