January is often considered a cinematic wasteland, a dumping ground for films studios hope will quietly disappear. After the holiday rush, theaters brace for a lull, filled with projects that rarely ignite the box office. But this year, a chilling surprise has emerged: “Primate.”
The story unfolds in the breathtaking beauty of Hawaii, centered around Ben, a chimpanzee unlike any seen before. He isn’t a wild animal, but a creature of intellect, raised as part of a family after years as the subject of a linguistic study. When the professor who nurtured him succumbs to illness, Ben remains, a silent, observant presence in a world he’s learned to understand.
The family, fractured by loss and distance, begins to reassemble. Lucy, a college student returning home after her mother’s death, brings with her friends Kate and Hannah. Their arrival coincides with a growing unease, a subtle shift in Ben’s behavior that goes unnoticed by all but a few. A seemingly minor incident – a bite from a mongoose – sets in motion a terrifying chain of events.
The mongoose carried a deadly secret: rabies. As the virus takes hold, Ben’s intelligence twists into something monstrous. His playful demeanor vanishes, replaced by a chilling, methodical rage. The family’s idyllic paradise transforms into a hunting ground, and their luxurious home becomes a cage.
The film doesn’t rely on jump scares or cheap thrills. Instead, it masterfully builds tension through silence, utilizing the perspective of the family’s father, Adam, who is deaf. These sequences are particularly unsettling, as Ben stalks him unseen, a silent predator in a world devoid of sound. The suspense is palpable, a constant, creeping dread.
What truly sets “Primate” apart is its commitment to practical effects. In an era dominated by CGI, the filmmakers chose a different path. Miguel Torres Umba delivers a breathtaking physical performance, inhabiting the role of Ben through an ape suit and masterful movement. He embodies the creature’s transformation, from endearing companion to terrifying beast, with unnerving realism.
The film’s director, Johannes Roberts, known for genre films that often fade into obscurity, has crafted something truly special. “Primate” isn’t just another horror movie; it’s a daring, darkly humorous exploration of primal fear. The 80s-inspired score further enhances the atmosphere, adding a layer of nostalgic dread.
The film’s climax unfolds around the family’s cliffside pool, a desperate attempt at refuge. But water, a natural barrier for humans, holds no fear for a creature driven by instinct. The pool becomes a terrifying arena, a confined space where the family’s vulnerability is laid bare. Ben is patient, calculating, and utterly relentless.
“Primate” is a refreshing anomaly in a genre often starved for originality. It’s a film that understands the power of suggestion, the terror of the unknown, and the chilling potential of a creature pushed beyond its limits. It’s a brutal, suspenseful, and surprisingly fun ride that will leave you questioning what lurks beneath the surface of even the most familiar faces.
Rated R for strong bloody violent content, gore, language, and some drug use, “Primate” runs for 1 hour and 29 minutes and is currently playing in theaters.
