Primate (2026) Movie Review: Story, Horror Elements & What to Expect

Last Updated: January 5, 2026

2 minutes read

What if the greatest danger wasn’t a monster from the wild, but something you once trusted?
Primate (2026) turns a familiar setting into a nightmare, blending survival horror with raw psychological tension. Set against the deceptively peaceful backdrop of Hawaii, the film explores how quickly safety can collapse when primal instincts take over. What begins as a calm family vacation soon descends into a brutal fight for survival, making Primate one of the most unsettling creature-horror films of the year.

Primate (2026) Movie Review

Primate (2026) is a survival horror thriller that centres on Lucy, a college student who reunites with her family and friends during a vacation in Hawaii. Living alongside them is Ben, an adopted chimpanzee who has long been considered a harmless and almost human-like member of the household. The group’s sense of comfort and familiarity, however, is shattered when Ben is bitten by a rabid animal.

As the infection begins to take hold, Ben’s behaviour changes dramatically. What was once playful curiosity turns into unpredictable aggression and violent outbursts. Isolated from immediate help and trapped within their surroundings, Lucy and the others are forced to confront a terrifying reality: the creature they cared for is no longer bound by trust or restraint.

Greenland 2: Migration: Full Story, Trailer Breakdown & What’s Next

The film gradually builds tension by focusing on confinement, fear, and moral conflict rather than nonstop action. Director Johannes Roberts emphasises atmosphere and suspense, allowing dread to grow with each escalating encounter. The horror in Primate is not just physical but psychological, as the characters struggle with guilt, hesitation, and the emotional weight of fighting a creature they once loved.

At its core, Primate explores themes of control, responsibility, and the thin line between civilisation and instinct. By grounding its horror in realism and emotional stakes, the film delivers a chilling reminder that nature, once unleashed, cannot be reasoned with. The result is a gripping and unsettling survival story that stays tense long after the final scene.

Important Elements of Primate (2026)

Element	Details
Movie Title	Primate
Release Date	January 9, 2026
Genre	Horror, Thriller, Survival
Director	Johannes Roberts
Writers	Johannes Roberts, Ernest Riera
Country	United States
Language	English
Main Setting	Hawaii
Story Focus	Survival after a chimpanzee becomes violently infected
Central Threat	A rabies-infected chimpanzee
Main Theme	Survival, loss of control, primal instincts
Tone	Dark, tense, suspenseful
Type of Horror	Creature horror / psychological tension
Main Characters	Lucy and her family/friends
Production Type	Live-action feature film
Release Type	Theatrical release (USA)

Love Island All Stars S3 2026: The Ultimate Guide to Season 3

Where to Watch

Theatrical Release: Primate is set to release exclusively in theatres on January 9, 2026 (this coming Friday).
Streaming: As this is a brand-new theatrical release, it is not yet available on streaming platforms (Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc.). Expect a streaming debut on Paramount+ later in the year, likely 45–60 days after its theatrical run.