Lock your doors and check your pool gates, because the latest creature feature from the mind of Johannes Roberts (47 Meters Down) is a gut-wrenching descent into animalistic horror. Forget everything you know about cute, cuddly primates. Paramount’s new film, Primate, is set to redefine creature terror, and it’s doing it the old-fashioned, bloody way- with practical effects!
The premise is a masterclass in claustrophobic dread: a college student named Lucy returns home to her family, only to find her life- and a tropical pool party- turned into a primal nightmare. According to verified reports, their seemingly harmless pet chimpanzee, Ben, contracts rabies. The once-domesticated ape becomes a vicious, rabid beast, trapping Lucy and her friends in a tense and brutal struggle for survival at the water’s edge. This isn’t just an animal attack; it’s a fight against a force that knows their every move and uses the familiar confines of home as its hunting ground.
Adding to the film’s pedigree is the involvement of Oscar winner Troy Kotsur (CODA), and the horror king himself, producer Walter Hamada, who helped orchestrate cinematic universes like The Conjuring and IT. Their presence alone signals that this is a film designed to deliver authentic scares.
What truly sets Primate apart is its commitment to old-school filmmaking. Early buzz out of Fantastic Fest confirms the heavy use of bone-chilling practical effects, a welcome treat for horror purists tired of cheap CGI. This means every slash, bite, and gruesome detail is designed to be visceral, real, and utterly terrifying.
The gates to this bloody nightmare officially swing open on January 9, 2026. Prepare for a gory crowd-pleaser that promises to kick off the new year with a primal scream.
