Paramount’s “Primates” Makes a Surprise Move in January
January isn’t typically known as the best month for movie releases. After the festive frenzy, theaters often fill with lower-budget films and experimental projects attempting to find some level of box office success. Yet, this time around, “Primates” from Paramount Pictures might just catch horror fans off guard.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Hawaii, the film tells the story of Ben, played by Miguel Torres Umba, a highly intelligent chimpanzee who becomes a project for a college professor. Despite the professor’s passing from cancer, Ben remains a beloved part of the family.
Within this familial situation, we meet Lucy (Johnny Sequoia), a college student distancing herself from the world after her mother’s death. There’s also her sister Erin (Gia Hunter), who harbors some resentment, and their father Adam (Troy Kottle), a writer preoccupied with his work.
Lucy returns home from college accompanied by her best friend Kate (Victoria Wyant) and a somewhat quirky friend, Hannah (Jessica Alexander). Their arrival is met by Nick (Benjamin Cheng), a family friend who seems to have a soft spot for Lucy.
As things start to feel normal, Lucy introduces her friends to Ben, who has always given off brotherly vibes. He’s funny and surprisingly adept at communication through technology.
While Adam is away on a work trip, the trio has the house to themselves. Just before he leaves, Adam checks in on Ben and discovers he’s been bitten by a dead mongoose. In a precautionary measure, he confines Ben to an enclosure.
“Ben’s been acting weird,” Kate comments to Lucy.
Complications arise when it turns out the mongoose was rabid. True to form, Ben eventually escapes his confines, setting a series of harrowing events into motion.
One can’t help but recall real-life incidents where chimpanzees have harmed humans. Their raw strength creates a chilling contrast to their comic traits, and soon enough, Ben finds himself taking darker turns, leading to a series of brutal attacks.
There’s a tense segment involving the cliffside pool where Lucy and her friends believe they are safe, assuming that chimpanzees fear water. But Ben has other plans, showcasing patience and alarming aggression.
In “Primate,” the use of sound—or the absence of it—profoundly impacts tension. There’s a moment that cleverly focuses on Adam, who is hearing-impaired, heightening the suspense as Ben stealthily makes his way through the house.
Unlike many of today’s CGI creations, director Johannes Roberts chose to go with a more traditional approach for Ben, which adds an interesting layer to the character. The actor, Wumba, brings a physical transformation that goes from playful pet to an unsettling entity, capable of dark humor that follows acts of violence. While some aspects feel familiar, the film’s unique approach stands out in the horror genre.
Roberts, who has previously worked on horror titles like “The Strangers” and “47 Meters Down,” seems to relish the absurdity of the narrative. Complementing his direction is composer Adrian Johnston, whose score evokes a nostalgic 80s horror vibe.
Final Thoughts
In a month often devoid of notable films, “Primate” manages to leave its mark, even without heavy star power. The uniqueness of Ben as a character adds intrigue, transforming the film into a potential guilty pleasure for horror enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a movie to check out, it’s worth adding to your list, although it might be better suited for a different season.
Rating: ★★★ — Ideal for Later Viewing
“Primate” is rated R for intense violence, gore, explicit language, and some drug references. Its runtime is around 1 hour and 29 minutes and it’s currently available in theaters.
