Paramount has dropped the first trailer for Primate, the latest from Johannes Roberts, a filmmaker who’s carved out a niche in high-stakes, anxiety-driven horror. From the claustrophobic shark terror of 47 Meters Down to the apocalyptic dread of Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City, Roberts has consistently delivered anxiety-inducing thrills that keep us coming back for more. Now, in Primate, he brings us back to the animal-attack genre, throwing a group of young people into a fight for survival against a rabid chimpanzee. If his previous films are any indication, Primate will tap into the kind of visceral, unpredictable terror that Roberts does best.
The story centres on Lucy, Johnny Sequoyah (“Dexter: New Blood”), who heads back to her family home during the holidays. Her father, (Academy Award–winner Troy Kotsur – CODA), is pulled away on work commitments, leaving Lucy, her sister Erin, and their household chimpanzee, Ben, in the care of an otherwise quiet home. When Lucy, her friends Kate and Hannah, and Kate’s older brother Nick take the opportunity to host a small gathering by the pool, an unexpected chain of events leaves the group facing a rapidly escalating danger. After Ben is infected by a rabid creature, the friends find themselves forced into a desperate fight for survival with no immediate way to call for help.
The supporting cast includes Jessica Alexander (Into the Deep), Victoria Wyant (My Fault London), Gia Hunter (“Sherlock & Daughter”), Benjamin Cheng, Charlie Mann (The Watchers), and Tienne Simon (All the Devils Are Here). Although set in Hawaii, the production was mounted on London sound stages, with Simon Bowles overseeing the film’s set design.
Primate made its world premiere at Fantastic Fest last September, where it immediately captured the attention of horror fans and critics alike. Early reactions singled out Roberts’ expert use of practical effects and a masterful handling of tension. Bloody Disgusting called it “a relentless ride of suspense, packed with old-school creature-feature thrills,” while Daily Dead described it as “a high-octane mix of terror and gore, delivering jump scares and visceral moments that stay with you.” Dread Central noted the film’s “unpredictable tension” and hailed its “tactile, practical effects that bring the horror to life in the most satisfying way.” Following its festival debut, the film currently holds an impressive 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Paramount will release Primate in UK cinemas on January 30 and in US theaters on January 9.
