Cinema audiences craving uncomplicated, gory thrills are in for a treat as the new year kicks off with Johannes Roberts's brutal creature feature 'Primate'. This slickly made horror film offers a refreshingly direct and giddy good time, serving as a riposte to the more solemn, trauma-heavy entries that have dominated the genre recently.
Rather than aiming for arthouse prestige, British director Roberts happily channels the spirit of schlocky 1990s B-movies like 'Shakma', delivering a film squarely for a generation raised on high-concept horror. At a tight 89 minutes, 'Primate' is a rollercoaster-paced reminder that chimpanzees are wild animals, not family members—a lesson it teaches with jaw-snapping, bone-crunching violence.
A Domesticated Pet Turns Predator
The story centres on Ben, a chimpanzee who has been integrated into a Hawaii-based family after the late matriarch, a linguist, brought her work home from the lab. He lives in a luxurious, remote cliffside house with teenager Erin and her father Adam, played by Troy Kotsur, the Oscar-winning actor from 'CODA'.
The fragile family peace is disrupted by a visit from the eldest daughter, Lucy, who arrives with friends for a weekend of fun. The festivities are abruptly halted when Ben, who has been bitten by a mongoose, begins acting strangely. As foreboding text at the film's start reveals, Ben has contracted rabies. "He's not Ben anymore," Lucy warns, as the cuddly family pet transforms into a bloodthirsty killer.
Surgical Gore and Practical Creature Effects
Roberts wastes no time getting to the carnage, perhaps too quickly for some who might want more time with Ben as a pet. Once the violence begins, however, it's a thrilling, non-stop sprint. The director makes full use of the film's hard R rating, delivering a level of inventively nasty violence rarely seen in recent studio horror.
The film's effectiveness is heightened by remarkably convincing practical effects. Ben is portrayed by movement specialist Miguel Torres Umba, whose physical performance adds a tangible, frightening presence that CGI often lacks. This practical approach pulls the audience closer to the chaos, making the terror feel visceral and immediate.
A Confident Homage with Heart
While the film is a loving homage to 80s creature features, it's not without its modern sensibilities. The casting of Troy Kotsur in a prominent, warm paternal role is significant, featuring multiple sign language-only scenes—a rarity for a wide-release studio film. The committed young cast also helps ground the absurd premise, ensuring audiences remain invested in who survives the chimp's rampage.
Some stylistic choices, like a synth-heavy score, occasionally prioritise style over suspense, but Roberts's direction is mostly savvy and ruthlessly efficient. Following a lacklustre year for horror, 'Primate' makes for a wildly entertaining start to 2026. It's a confident step up for a filmmaker clearly enjoying his genre sweet spot.
'Primate' is released in US and UK cinemas on 9 January 2026 and in Australia on 22 January.
