Primate Movie Review: A Savage and Slick Creature Feature That Keeps You on Edge
Director Johannes Roberts proves once again that crafting an engaging, gory horror thriller is no monkey business with his latest film, Primate. Released on January 23, 2026, this English-language horror movie has garnered a solid 4.0 rating from both critics and users, promising an experience best enjoyed on the big screen where the shrieks, jump scares, and visceral gore land with maximum impact.
A Tropical Vacation Turns Into a Nightmare
The story follows Lucy, portrayed by Johnny Sequoyah, who returns to her Hawaiian cliffside home after a year away, bringing her friends along for what should be a relaxing getaway. However, the family's pet chimpanzee, Ben, played by Miguel Torres Umba, turns rabid after being bitten by a mongoose, transforming the idyllic tropical vacation into a terrifying fight for survival.
The setup seems deceptively simple: a plush cliffside mansion, writer dad Adam (Troy Kotsur) away on a book signing event, and teens left unsupervised with their pet chimp. Yet, Roberts masterfully builds an ominous atmosphere from the start. The early glimpse of gore comes swiftly when Ben rips the vet's face apart, setting the tone for the carnage to follow.
Masterful Execution of Horror Tropes
Combining slasher and creature-feature elements is a tightrope act that can easily veer into camp if mishandled. Roberts, however, walks this line with confidence, maintaining relentless tension throughout the film's 90-minute runtime. The narrative wastes no time, swiftly covering the backstory of Lucy and her teenage sister Erin coping with their mother's death from cancer, and Ben's arrival after their linguistics professor mother adopted him while studying human-chimp communication.
Once the action kicks in, there are no dull moments. Familiar genre tropes are present—phones dropped in water, hiding in closets with the predator breathing nearby, tiptoeing to safety—but they never feel clichéd. The execution feels fresh and terrifying, particularly when the crazed, growling chimpanzee froths at the mouth.
Gore That Feels Organic and Terrifying
Each sequence keeps viewers on edge as hair is ripped off along with the scalp, jaws are torn apart, and eyes are gouged out. The highlight of Primate is that the gore and jump scares feel oddly organic and scary without coming across as forced or repulsive. This balance is difficult to achieve, but Roberts manages it with skill.
The script and screenplay by Roberts and Ernest Riera do feel underdeveloped in places. Ben's emotional bond with the family isn't explored deeply, and the quick, full-blown rabies might feel unconvincing to some. However, these minor missteps are easily overlooked once the relentless action takes over.
Standout Performances That Elevate the Terror
Miguel Torres Umba delivers an outstanding performance as Ben. The monkey suit, physicality, rage, rampage, and expressions are perfectly executed, making the chimp both terrifying and believable. Johnny Sequoyah shines as Lucy, balancing the roles of protective older sister and terrified prey with solid conviction.
The supporting cast, including Jessica Alexander as the sassy diva, Troy Kotsur as the deaf-mute writer, Victoria Wyant as Lucy's best friend, and Gia Hunter as the kid sister, all deliver fine performances that add depth to the narrative.
An Experience Best Enjoyed on the Big Screen
Primate is a film that demands to be seen in theaters, where the immersive sound design and visual effects can fully amplify the horror. Pet owners, in particular, may find themselves watching over their shoulders long after the credits roll. With its savage, slick, and unnervingly fun approach, this creature feature stands out as a must-watch for horror enthusiasts.
