Johnny Sequoyah as “Lucy” in ‘Primate’ from Paramount Photos.
Opening in theaters on January 9, ‘Primate’ follows Lucy (Johnny Sequoyah) as she returns house to the tropical island on which she grew up. This homecoming turns lethal when her household’s intelligent chimpanzee, Ben (Miguel Torres Umba), turns into rabid.
“One thing’s flawed with Ben.”
Launch Date: Jan 9, 2026
Run Time: 1 hr 29 min
Associated Article: Moviefone’s 2026 Film Preview: Theatrical and Streaming Releases
Preliminary Ideas
(L to R) Jessica Alexander as “Hannah” and Miguel Torres Umba as “Ben” in ‘Primate’ from Paramount Photos.
Take one take a look at the trailer and it is extremely clear that ‘Primate’ is supposed to entertain with bloody, over-the-top kills. It blends genres to create one thing that’s equal components humorous as it’s grotesque. With nice comedic moments that really land, and a killer chimpanzee that audiences will always remember, this movie is the defination of a very good time on the films.
That stated, it is going to possible not have the identical impact for these watching from their sofa, as ‘Primate’ is supposed to be seen in a packed theater, on an enormous display screen, with fellow movie-goers who don’t know what will occur subsequent.
Story and Course
(L to R) Johnny Sequoyah as “Lucy” and director Johannes Roberts on the set of ‘Primate’ from Paramount Photos.
The horror style is commonly criticized for its lack of story. Often the plot factors are there simply to usher you into the subsequent kill, however fortunately ‘Primate’ presents up an entertaining story as effectively. Lucy travels house with pals to go to her household in Hawaii and no time is wasted earlier than the household chimp, Ben, will get rabies and goes on a rampage.
With one thing as intense as this, these moments must be felt. Audiences must be hiding behind their palms and pushing as far again into their chairs as they’ll as they maintain their breath and wait to see the way it all unfolds. Director Johannes Roberts brilliantly creates rigidity over and over, using the truth that Troy Kotsur is Deaf to take it to a brand new degree.
Solid and Performances
(L to R) Troy Kotsur as “Adam” and Gia Hunter as “Erin” in ‘Primate’ from Paramount Photos.
Talking of Troy Kotsur, he is likely one of the standouts of the movie. He delivers an unimaginable efficiency in ‘Primate’ as Lucy and Erin’s father. His character is Deaf, and sure, the film leans into this in enjoyable and surprising methods. It’s great to see this facet of him, and the appearing vary he has after his comedic and lovable character in CODA.
Johnny Sequoyah simply is perhaps the subsequent scream queen, as she masterfully takes the lead in ‘Primate’. Viewers will fall in love with Lucy nearly instantly, which signifies that everybody shall be rooting for her to make it out unscathed. She is highly effective and protecting when she must be, however she additionally makes some sensible choices – one thing we don’t usually see in horror films.
Remaining Ideas
(L to R) Victoria Wyant as “Kate” and Johnny Sequoyah as “Lucy” in ‘Primate’ from Paramount Photos.
‘Primate’ is an intense movie that blends the comedy, horror, and thriller genres to create one thing that begs to be seen on the large display screen. Chimpanzees have gone on killing sprees in actual life, which makes this film simply plausible sufficient to terrify viewers.
This film is a wild trip, and genuinely lots of enjoyable. In case you are squeamish although, be warned, it’s fairly bloody and graphic. Due to good performances from Johnny Sequoyah and Troy Kotsur, ‘Primate’ is bound to kick off the 2026 field workplace in an unforgettable means.
‘Primate’ receives a rating of 80 out of 100.
(L to R) Victoria Wyant as “Kate”, Jessica Alexander as “Hannah”, Gia Hunter as “Erin”, and Johnny Sequoyah as “Lucy” in ‘Primate’ from Paramount Photos.
What’s the plot of ‘Primate’?
Lucy’s tropical island homecoming turns lethal when her household’s intelligent chimpanzee, Ben, turns into rabid. Together with her father away and no assist coming, paradise turns into a jail as Lucy and her pals struggle for survival in opposition to a pet they as soon as trusted.
Who’s within the solid of ‘Primate’?
‘Primate’ opens in theaters on January ninth.