Primate swings into theaters in 2026 with old-school creature terror.
When director Johannes Roberts stood before the Fantastic Fest 2025 crowd to introduce his newest film, Primate, he described it as “old school.” His confidence was justified—this crowd indeed “got it.” Inspired by Stephen King’s Cujo, Roberts’ film puts a rabid chimpanzee named Ben at the center of the chaos. What begins as a tropical getaway for Lucy (Johnny Sequoyah) and her friends quickly turns into a fight for survival when her father’s pet ape grows violent.
The Power of Practical Effects
Ben is brought to life through a blend of Miguel Torres Umba’s physical performance in an ape suit and facial puppeteering. The realism of the movements and design often makes it difficult to tell man from beast. This commitment to practical creature effects makes the horror both visceral and fun.
Strong Performances and Smart Sound Design
Sequoyah shines as a scream queen, and Troy Kotsur’s presence adds depth and originality. The film smartly plays with sound by cutting to silence during intense moments, highlighting both Ben’s chilling cries and the emotional weight of perspective.
Gore That Delivers
The gore effects raise the stakes, starting with a brutal opening kill and topping it with later scenes that push the audience’s limits. These moments cement Primate as more than just a derivative animal-attack film.
Verdict
Primate could have easily been written off as a Cujo clone. Instead, its careful creature design, layered performances, and commitment to practical gore elevate it into a crowd-pleasing experience that’s pure chaos on screen.
Catch it in theaters January 9, 2026.
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Drew Munhausen
Media and Movie Mastermind who co-hosts the Moviegoers Society Podcast and Fresh out the Pod.
