By “Primate” is as strong and imposing as its star ape himself, delivering horrifying thrills and intense scares throughout
This was a film I had been looking forward to ever since seeing the trailer, and I’m happy to say I didn’t walk away disappointed. Much like the patrons entering the theater, the film begins by taking us directly into the enclosure with Ben, the true star of the movie.
From there, we’re thrown into an intense opening sequence that immediately sets the tone and lets the audience know exactly what kind of ride they’re in for.
From the very start, Primate establishes a sense of tension and unease that rarely lets up. The film is packed with intense moments that consistently keep you on the edge of your seat, making it an easy recommendation for horror fans.
Those who enjoy the occasional jump scare will definitely find plenty to appreciate here, as will viewers looking for a different kind of antagonist.
Ben isn’t just another mindless monster—there’s a strange complexity to him that almost makes you feel sorry for him at times.
Almost.
Overall, I found the experience extremely enjoyable. The film does a great job of maintaining momentum, with pacing that keeps things moving without feeling rushed. While the story itself isn’t overly complicated, it doesn’t need to be.
The setup is effective, and the plot unfolds in a way that keeps the tension building while still allowing room for memorable moments and scares.
If there is one noticeable weakness in the film, it comes down to some of the decision-making by the main cast. There were a few moments where I found myself shaking my head in disbelief at certain actions or choices made by the characters.
These moments can be a bit frustrating, especially for seasoned horror fans who are used to characters making questionable decisions under pressure. That said, these instances are never egregious enough to completely pull you out of the experience.
They’re minor bumps in an otherwise engaging ride.
The film’s biggest strength, without question, is Ben. He is absolutely terrifying and brings a fresh sense of danger and unpredictability to the screen. Every time he appears, there’s a lingering tension because you genuinely never know what he’s going to do next.
Adding to this unpredictability are a few unexpected moments of humor, which I always appreciate in a horror film. These brief laughs don’t undercut the scares but instead make the experience feel more dynamic and memorable.
The performances across the board help sell the horrifying situations the characters are thrust into. The cast brings a level of authenticity that grounds the film, making the fear feel more real and immediate. The deaths throughout the movie are also creative and unique, which is another aspect I always look for in the horror genre.
They feel thoughtfully designed rather than repetitive, adding to the overall impact of the film.
In the end, “Primate” succeeds in delivering a tense, entertaining horror experience that brings something new to the table. Between its strong setup, solid pacing, memorable antagonist, and creative kills, there’s a lot here for fans of horror and gore to enjoy.
It’s a film I believe genre fans will appreciate, and one that proves you don’t need to reinvent the wheel to deliver effective, thrilling horror.
