The year 2026 has barely begun, yet horror fans are already bracing for a brutal cinematic experience. Forget subtle chills – a new terror is clawing its way to the forefront, and his name is Ben. He’s a chimpanzee, and something has fundamentally broken within him.
The story unfolds on the beautiful, isolated shores of Hawaii. Lucy, a college student returning home after a personal loss, seeks reconnection with her family: her younger sister, her deaf and celebrated author father, and Ben, the chimpanzee raised as part of their unique family. Ben was taught to communicate through sign language and technology, a testament to his mother’s scientific dedication.
A planned family reunion is disrupted when Lucy’s father embarks on a book tour, leaving the sisters to their own devices. A seemingly innocent party soon takes a terrifying turn as Ben’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic. A recent mongoose bite seems innocuous enough, but it masks a horrifying transformation brewing within the primate.
Director Johannes Roberts, known for the intense underwater horror of the 47 Meters Down films, delivers a different kind of animalistic terror withPrimate. This isn’t a sprawling spectacle; it’s a tightly wound, visceral experience, relying on practical effects and a palpable sense of dread. The film wastes no time establishing its brutal tone – a face is ripped off within the first two minutes, setting the stage for unrelenting chaos.
Despite some archetypal characterizations, the young cast breathes life into their roles, making the impending mayhem genuinely unsettling. The film masterfully emphasizes the family’s isolation, confining the action to a remote, luxurious house perched on a Hawaiian cliffside. All the modern conveniences become tragically useless when confronted with the raw, primal fury of a rabies-infected chimpanzee.
The film’s claustrophobic setting amplifies the terror. A particularly harrowing sequence traps the characters in a pool, stalked by Ben, who is unable to enter the water. This simple premise becomes a masterclass in suspense, fueled by the horrifying knowledge of Ben’s capacity for violence. It’s a chilling reminder of their helplessness.
Primateembraces a refreshingly old-school approach to horror, reminiscent of 80s classics like those directed by John Carpenter. This is reflected not only in the film’s efficient storytelling but also in its synth-driven score. It’s a savvy budgetary choice that elevates the horror, creating a truly unsettling atmosphere.
Ben himself is poised to become a modern horror icon. The filmmakers opted for a “guy in a suit” approach, bringing a tactile quality to the character that CGI often struggles to achieve. The suit is remarkably expressive, and the combination of practical effects and judicious CGI creates a truly menacing presence.
Prepare for a shocking level of gore.Primatedoesn’t shy away from graphic violence, delivering face-ripping carnage with gleeful abandon. The practical effects – buckets of blood and expertly crafted prosthetics – give the film a visceral edge that elevates it beyond typical B-movie fare. It’s gruesome, but surprisingly fun, eliciting genuine reactions from audiences.
Primateis more than just a splatterfest. It’s a thrilling, self-contained horror experience that revels in both anticipation and execution. The dedication to crafting a believable and terrifying creature, combined with the film’s relentless pace, marks it as a must-see for horror fans. It’s a potential cult classic in the making, introducing a new face of fear to the genre.
This is a film that understands the power of practical effects, the importance of isolation, and the sheer terror of a primal force unleashed.Primatedelivers a nasty, seat-squirming experience that will leave audiences both horrified and exhilarated.
