Get ready for a wild ride with Primate, a thrilling creature feature that will leave you on the edge of your seat! This movie is a refreshing break from the gloomy, trauma-filled horror films we've been subjected to lately. Instead of aiming for the artistic heights of classics like Don't Look Now, Primate embraces its goofy, schlocky roots, reminiscent of the cult favorite Shakma.
Primate is a well-crafted, slick crowd-pleaser that takes the concept of a baboon gone wild and transforms it into a domesticated chimp with a dark twist. At a brisk 89 minutes, it's a rollercoaster ride that leaves little time for deep life lessons, but it serves as a stark reminder of why chimps don't make good pets - a lesson that still needs to be learned by many (see this Guardian article for more: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/article/2024/aug/20/hbo-chimp-crazy-documentary).
The story revolves around Ben, a chimp who became part of a Hawaiian family due to the late matriarch's linguistics research. He lives with Erin, a teenager, and her crimewriter father, Adam, in a luxurious yet remote cliffside house. When Erin's older sister, Lucy, visits with her friends for a weekend getaway, things take a terrifying turn. Ben, who has been bitten by a mongoose, starts exhibiting strange and alarming behavior.
As the film unfolds, we learn that Ben has contracted rabies, transforming him into a bloodthirsty killer. The group seeks refuge in the middle of a pool, but the tension builds as Ben's unpredictable behavior keeps them on their toes. Director Johannes Roberts wastes no time, delivering a hard-hitting, jaw-dropping, and bone-crunching horror experience that will leave you breathless.
I must admit, I initially assumed this film would be a PG-13 due to its young cast, but I was proven wrong. Roberts goes all out with his R-rating, delivering a visceral and inventive display of gore that will stick with you. From a fall that ends in a brutal twist to a repulsive encounter with an Instagram jock, Roberts doesn't shy away from pushing the boundaries. But here's where it gets controversial: while the gore is memorable, some might argue that it comes at the cost of building suspense, a common critique of Roberts' work (see his Strangers sequel for a similar debate).
However, the practical effects used for Ben are remarkably effective, bringing a physical presence to the chaos that feels all too real. Miguel Torres Umba, a movement specialist, brings Ben to life, making his transformation into a sadistic slasher villain all the more chilling. By the time the extended family fights back in an electrifying finale, you'll be too invested in their survival to care about the laughable moments.
Roberts and co-writer Ernest Riera pay loving homage to the creature features of the 80s, capturing the spirit of those films while adding their own unique twist. While some may debate the effectiveness of certain stylistic choices, there's no denying that Roberts has found his sweet spot with Primate. After a lackluster year for horror, this film is a wild and entertaining start to 2026.
And this is the part most people miss: Primate also features a prominent role for a deaf actor, Troy Kotsur, with multiple sign language-only scenes. It's a rare and welcome inclusion in a wide-releasing studio film.
So, are you ready to experience the giddy, gory good time that is Primate? Catch it in US and UK cinemas on January 9th and in Australia on January 22nd.
What did you think of Primate? Did it live up to your expectations? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's discuss!
