Chilling Chimpanzee Horror: ‘Primate’ Unleashes Graphic Terror

The new film Primate, released in theaters on January 6, 2024, plunges audiences into a harrowing tale of a rabid chimpanzee terrorizing a family. This animal attack movie promises visceral thrills for those seeking intense scares, featuring graphic violence that unfolds in a gripping narrative.

Plot Overview and Character Dynamics

Lucy, portrayed by Johnny Sequoyah, is visiting her family in Hawaii after the tragic loss of her mother, a linguistic researcher. Her father, Adam, played by Troy Kotsur, and her sister, Erin (Gia Hunter), have adopted Ben, the chimpanzee that their late mother was teaching sign language. The trouble begins when Ben is bitten by a mongoose, leading Adam to send the deceased animal for rabies testing—a formality he believes unnecessary in Hawaii. As Adam embarks on a book tour, a rabid Ben begins to stalk Lucy, Erin, and their friends.

The film opens with a shocking scene of violence, establishing the gruesome tone that director Johannes Roberts maintains throughout. Rather than cutting away from the action, the film delves into the horror of Ben’s attacks, showcasing a series of graphic kills that heighten the tension and unease. The story is set against the backdrop of Adam’s cliffside home, which becomes a trap for the characters as they find themselves cornered by the increasingly aggressive chimpanzee.

Execution and Special Effects

Roberts, who co-wrote the script with Ernest Riera, effectively builds suspense as the characters attempt to outsmart Ben. The group, including Lucy’s friend Nick (Benjamin Cheng), devises various plans to evade the chimpanzee, including hiding in a pool, mistakenly believing that chimpanzees cannot swim. This leads to a tense standoff, with Ben circling the pool as the characters wait anxiously in the water.

The film’s use of practical effects is commendable, as Roberts opted for prosthetics and animatronics instead of trained primates or CGI. This decision ensures that Ben appears convincingly realistic, although some CGI moments are more apparent. The film’s pacing shifts quickly, favoring action over character development, with just enough background provided for the audience to connect with the protagonists. Lucy and Erin’s brief FaceTime call while boarding a flight serves as one of the few moments of exposition, offering insight into their family dynamics.

As the chaos unfolds, Ben’s attacks often carry a sense of dark humor and poetic justice, particularly against certain characters, adding a layer of commentary to the horror. The film embraces its genre conventions, fulfilling the expectations of viewers who want an adrenaline-fueled experience. Despite the initial shock of Ben’s transformation, the film does not linger on emotional connections, opting instead to focus on the immediate threat he poses.

While the film intermittently features scenes of Adam during his book tour, these moments do not fully utilize Kotsur’s talent, leaving audiences wanting more from his character. Nonetheless, the exchanges between Adam and the veterinarian regarding the mongoose add a touch of realism and urgency to the unfolding horror.

Primate positions itself firmly within the animal attack genre, delivering the gruesome thrills that fans seek. While it may not delve deeply into character arcs, its commitment to showcasing raw terror and suspense ensures it will resonate with those eager for a chilling cinematic experience. As the credits roll, viewers are left to ponder the fine line between loyalty and survival in the face of primal instinct.