Primate (2026) Spoiler Free Review

Directed by Johannes Roberts, Primate (2026) is a lean and effective entry in the natural horror subgenre that understands exactly what kind of movie it wants to be. 

Premiering at Fantastic Fest before its theatrical release in January 9, 2026, the film has received generally positive reactions, and it’s easy to see why. While its premise may sound familiar on paper, Primate delivers enough tension, atmosphere, and surprisingly grounded brutality to rise above expectations.

A tropical vacation goes awry when Ben, a family’s adopted chimpanzee, is bitten by a rabid animal and suddenly becomes violent.

Film synopsis

The film opens strong with a well-executed opening sequence that immediately establishes unease and foreshadows the chaos to come. Set against the deceptive beauty of a tropical vacation, the story centers on a family whose adopted chimpanzee, Ben, becomes infected after being bitten by a rabid animal. What follows is a steady descent into survival horror as the animal’s behavior turns increasingly violent, transforming a place of relaxation into a confined nightmare.

One of the film’s biggest strengths is its commitment to tension. Roberts keeps the pace tight and focused, allowing dread to build gradually rather than relying solely on jump scares. The atmosphere is consistently unsettling, helped by effective sound design and a sense that danger is always lurking just out of frame. While the marketing may suggest a generic creature feature, Primate is far more controlled and patient than its trailer implies.

The gore is another standout element. Surprisingly realistic and well-executed, the violence never feels cartoonish or excessive. Instead, it’s used sparingly but impactfully, making each death feel shocking and visceral. Although it becomes somewhat easy to predict which characters may not survive, the actual death sequences are creative and memorable enough to keep viewers engaged. There’s a rawness to the film’s brutality that adds to its sense of realism and discomfort.

The chimpanzee itself is convincingly portrayed, both visually and behaviorally. Whether achieved through a mix of practical effects, performance, or CGI, Ben feels intimidating and believable, which is crucial for a film like this to work. The animal never crosses into exaggerated monster territory, making the threat feel grounded and disturbingly plausible.

Performances across the board are solid. The cast delivers decent, believable acting that helps sell the emotional stakes, even when some characters make questionable decisions. While a few choices may frustrate viewers, the script at least attempts to ground these moments in logic and fear rather than pure stupidity, a common pitfall in horror films.

Narratively, Primate keeps things simple. The story is easy to follow, straightforward, and doesn’t overcomplicate its premise with unnecessary subplots. This makes it especially accessible for audiences who prefer clear, survival-driven horror. It’s also a good pick for viewers who get scared easily, as the film prioritizes sustained tension over complexity.

In the end, Primate is a tense, well-crafted natural horror film that knows its audience. It may not reinvent the genre, but it executes its ideas with confidence and precision. Thanks to its effective atmosphere, realistic gore, and strong creature work, it’s absolutely worth watching in theaters, especially for fans of contained, nerve-wracking horror experiences.

Primate is now available in theaters.