Primate (2026) Movie Review: Ben the Chimp Goes Full Savage!

Primate is a 2026 natural horror film directed by Johannes Roberts, known for 47 Meters Down. The film premiered at Fantastic Fest in September 2025 before its wide theatrical release in the United States on January 9, 2026.Movie Overview* Release Date: January 9, 2026 (United States).* Director: Johannes Roberts.* Cast: Stars Johnny Sequoyah (Lucy), Jessica Alexander (Hannah), and Oscar winner Troy Kotsur (Adam).* Plot: The story follows Lucy, who returns home to Hawaii from college to visit her father and younger sister. Their domestic life is upended when the family’s pet chimpanzee, Ben, contracts rabies after being bitten by a mongoose and turns into a feral, smart predator.* Box Office: The film has grossed approximately $41 million worldwide.Production & Style* Practical Effects: Similar to other recent genre films, Primate utilized mostly physical effects and suits (performed by Miguel Torres Umba) to bring the chimpanzee to life, giving it a grounded and nostalgic feel.* Setting: The film is primarily an isolated “home invasion” style horror, with much of the suspenseful action confined to the family home and pool area.* Tone: Critics have described it as a “slasher” where the killer is an animal, noting its propulsive pacing at under 90 minutes and its use of classic horror tropes. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit goreandgrimepodcast.substack.com