As we head into 2026, horror fans are gearing up for a fresh wave of creature features, and one of the most anticipated is Primate, a tense survival thriller from director Johannes Roberts. Slated for theatrical release on January 9, 2026, by Paramount Pictures, the film promises to deliver old-school “when animals attack” thrills with modern gore and intensity. Produced under Walter Hamada’s 18hz Productions label, Primate is already generating buzz after its world premiere at Fantastic Fest in September 2025 and screenings at other genre festivals.
At its core, Primate is a straightforward but brutally effective tale of survival. The story follows a group of friends on a tropical vacation in Hawaii who reunite with family—including a beloved pet chimpanzee named Ben. What starts as a relaxing getaway turns deadly when Ben is bitten by a rabid animal, contracting rabies and transforming into a ferocious killer.
Trapped in a luxurious cliffside home, the characters barricade themselves in the backyard pool, turning the idyllic setting into a claustrophobic battleground. The film draws clear inspiration from Stephen King’s Cujo—a rabid animal trapping victims in a confined space—but swaps the dog for a chimpanzee, amplifying the primal terror. Roberts has openly cited Cujo as a major influence, aiming to capture that same sense of relentless, inescapable dread.
Early reactions highlight the film’s lean storytelling, focusing on raw tension, shocking violence, and practical effects rather than deep character arcs. Critics describe it as “lean and mean,” with one calling it “Cujo with an ape” and praising its “top-tier gore” and “practical creature work.”
The film boasts a solid ensemble led by:
- Johnny Sequoyah (Dexter: New Blood) as Lucy, the college student at the center of the chaos.
- Jessica Alexander (The Little Mermaid) in a supporting role.
- Troy Kotsur (Oscar winner for CODA) as Lucy’s Deaf father, adding emotional depth to the family dynamic.
Additional cast members include Victoria Wyant, Gia Hunter, Benjamin Cheng, Charlie Mann, Tienne Simon, and Miguel Torres Umba.
Johannes Roberts, known for aquatic horrors like the 47 Meters Down series and The Strangers: Prey at Night, directs and co-wrote the screenplay with Ernest Riera. Roberts’ track record with confined-space thrillers makes him a perfect fit for this high-stakes setup.
Filming wrapped in late 2024 on London sound stages, with sets recreating the Hawaiian paradise. The movie emphasizes practical effects over CGI for the chimpanzee attacks, resulting in visceral, bloody kills that have earned praise for their shock value. Runtime is a tight 89 minutes, ensuring the pace never lets up.
Post-festival reviews have been largely positive, with Rotten Tomatoes scores hovering high and descriptors like “hugely successful swing-for-the-fences wild time” and “one of the stronger animal-driven horror films.” While some note the plot’s simplicity and familiar beats, the consensus is that Primate excels as unapologetic, popcorn horror—perfect for January’s post-holiday slump.
With trailers showcasing intense chases and gruesome moments, and Paramount positioning it as a kickoff to 2026’s horror slate, Primate looks set to be a bloody, adrenaline-fueled ride. If you’re a fan of creature features like Cujo, The Descent, or even the chimp violence in Nope, this one is worth marking on your calendar.
Catch Primate in theaters January 9, 2026—and maybe think twice about keeping exotic pets!
