Dev Patel wowed audiences at the SXSW 2024 Conference and Festivals with the premiere of his directorial debut, Monkey Man, held at the Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas on March 11th. The British actor has already made a name for himself in the entertainment industry with his impressive performances in films such as Slumdog Millionaire, Lion, and The Personal History of David Copperfield. Now, with his venture into directing, Dev is proving to be a multi-talented force to be reckoned with.
From his humble beginnings in cult teen show Skins, Dev has consistently impressed audiences with his acting skills. However, it is with Monkey Man that he truly shines as a director. The film tells the story of a young man seeking revenge against the corrupt leaders who murdered his mother and continue to oppress the poor and powerless. With its bold narrative and stunning visuals, Monkey Man received a standing ovation at its premiere, solidifying Dev’s place as a rising director.
Variety’s tweet captured the moment perfectly as Dev was met with thunderous applause after the screening of his film:
“Dev Patel receives a standing ovation after a #SXSW screening of his feature directorial debut “Monkey Man.””
The reviews for Monkey Man have been overwhelmingly positive, praising Dev’s ambitious vision and potential as a director. The Guardian gave the film a rating of 3/5, stating that while there were some bumps along the way, it is a successful proof of concept for Dev’s action movie skills both in front of and behind the camera. Collider also gave it a 3/5 rating, acknowledging the impressive action sequences and hailing Dev as a director with boundless potential.
Roger Ebert’s review gave Monkey Man a rating of 3/5 and predicted that it would be a huge success. They also noted that as Dev continues to make more films, he will refine his storytelling and visual language, cementing himself as a legendary director.
HeyUGuys gave the film a perfect score of 5/5, calling it “brilliant, brutal, and a sign of beautiful things to come.” They also praised Dev’s talent on both sides of the camera, stating that Monkey Man is an impressive cinematic achievement and a testament to Dev’s skills as an actor and director. Slash Film gave it an 8/10 rating, acknowledging the film’s ambition and hailing it as a truly unique and impressive work.
Deadline and Screen Daily both praised Dev’s commitment and dedication to the film, with Deadline noting that he “visibly pushes himself to the limit” in both directing and acting. Screen Daily also highlighted that with Monkey Man, Dev is showcasing a new rugged twist on his typical roles, proving his versatility as an actor. The Daily Beast’s review praised Dev’s heart, love, and promise in the film, stating that despite its imperfections, Monkey Man is something genuinely special.
Dev’s decision to step behind the camera for Monkey Man is a reflection of his desire to continually challenge himself and explore new avenues in the entertainment industry. And it is clear that this risk has paid off, with the actor receiving widespread acclaim for his directorial debut.
As we eagerly await the release of Monkey Man, one thing is for sure – Dev Patel is a talent to behold, and the film is a sign of even more impressive things to come. With his dedication, passion, and talent, Dev is on his way to becoming a prominent figure in Hollywood, and we can’t wait to see what he’ll do next.
