The Ape (2005)
A darkly comic indie drama from James Franco about a writer pushed to the brink — and the foul-mouthed ape who moves in with him.
The Ape - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Ape
- Release Year: 2005
- Directed by: James Franco
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Comedy
- Runtime: 1h 30m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 18, 2005 (United States)
- Alternative Titles: Simiosis (ES)
- Production Companies: Rabbit Bandini Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Ape - Plot
A young writer, nearing a mental breakdown caused by his family and boss, moves into an apartment occupied by a walking, talking, foul-mouthed ape in a Hawaiian shirt and Converse High Tops.
The Ape - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see what awaits Harry Walker in his very unusual new living arrangement.
Harry Walker's life just got a little hairier.
Where to Watch The Ape
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The Ape - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- James Franco
Main Cast
- James Franco
- Brian Lally
- Allison Bibicoff
- Stacey Miller
- Vince Jolivette
- Nori Jill Phillips
- Danny Molina
- David Markey
- Sydney DeMarco
Writers
- Merriwether Williams
- James Franco
Producers
- David Klein
- Vince Jolivette
The Ape - FAQs
What is The Ape (2005) about?
The Ape follows Harry Walker, a young writer teetering on the edge of a mental breakdown, who moves into an apartment already occupied by a foul-mouthed, opinionated ape in a Hawaiian shirt and Converse sneakers. It's a darkly comic look at creative frustration, identity, and the chaos of everyday life.
Did James Franco direct and star in The Ape?
Yes, James Franco both directed and starred in The Ape, playing the lead role of Harry Walker. It was one of his early forays into filmmaking, co-written with Merriwether Williams and produced through his Rabbit Bandini Productions banner on a modest budget of around $225,000.
Where can you watch The Ape (2005)?
You can check current streaming availability and rental or purchase options for The Ape on JustWatch, which tracks where the film is available in your region across all major platforms.
What is the significance of the ape character?
The ape functions as a surreal, unfiltered alter ego for Harry Walker — blunt, crude, and impossible to ignore. Many viewers and critics read the character as an externalization of Harry's own repressed frustrations and instincts, giving the film a psychological edge beneath its absurdist comedy surface.
Who are the main actors in The Ape?
James Franco leads the cast as Harry Walker, with Brian Lally voicing and performing as the ape. The supporting cast includes Allison Bibicoff, Stacey Miller, Vince Jolivette, Nori Jill Phillips, Danny Molina, David Markey, and Sydney DeMarco.
Is The Ape a comedy or a drama?
The Ape blends both genres — it's a dark comedy-drama that uses its absurd premise to explore genuinely serious themes like creative burnout, mental health, and strained relationships. The humor is offbeat and dry, while the emotional undercurrent keeps things grounded in real human experience.
How long is The Ape (2005)?
The Ape runs for 90 minutes, making it a lean, focused watch that doesn't overstay its welcome. At an hour and a half, it delivers its quirky premise and character study without padding.
What are some movies similar to The Ape?
If you enjoyed The Ape, you might also like CQ (2001), In the Soup (1992), or Landline (2017) — all indie films with a similar offbeat, character-driven sensibility. For films featuring apes in unusual roles, Planet of the Apes (1968) and Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) are worth exploring.
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