Primate (2026) Review – This Practical-Effects Horror Monkey Movie Is Terrifyingly Good
Released today, January 9, 2026, Primate is the first major horror film of the year from Paramount Pictures, and it’s kicking off 2026 with a ferocious, blood-soaked bang. Directed by Johannes Roberts (known for 47 Meters Down and Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City), this R-rated creature feature delivers old-school animal-attack thrills with modern polish, heavy on practical effects and unapologetic gore.
The story centers on a group of friends on a tropical vacation that turns into a nightmare when their family’s beloved pet chimpanzee, Ben, contracts rabies after being bitten by a rabid animal. What starts as a domesticated companion quickly transforms into a relentless, intelligent predator stalking and slaughtering the group one by one. Starring Johnny Sequoyah as Lucy (the college-returning lead), Jessica Alexander, Troy Kotsur (Oscar winner from CODA), and a strong supporting cast including Victoria Wyant, Gia Hunter, Benjamin Cheng, Charlie Mann, and Tienne Simon, the film clocks in at a tight 89 minutes—no wasted time, just pure tension and carnage.
Why It’s Terrifyingly Good: Practical Effects Steal the Show
The standout here is the practical creature work. Ben is brought to life primarily through a combination of prosthetics, puppetry, and masterful physical performance by movement specialist Miguel Torres Umba, making him feel terrifyingly real and unpredictable. Critics rave about the gore: jaw-snapping, face-ripping, bone-crunching kills that don’t cut away—think Cujo meets Texas Chainsaw Massacre with a chimpanzee slasher twist. The violence is inventive, brutal, and often jaw-droppingly repulsive, but it’s executed with such efficiency that it never feels gratuitous.
The film’s strength lies in its lean, no-frills approach—it’s a throwback B-movie creature feature that embraces dumb characters making bad decisions, wild coincidences, and seat-edge suspense. Roberts wastes little time getting to the action, building dread with Ben’s deceptive humanity before unleashing chaos. The soundtrack adds eerie atmosphere, and the tropical/island setting heightens the isolation and survival stakes.
Critical Reception: Strong Start for 2026 Horror
Reviews are largely positive, praising it as a fun, adrenaline-fueled ride and one of the best January horror drops in years:
- Rotten Tomatoes: 77% Fresh (based on 66+ critics), with some early aggregates hitting even higher praise.
- Metacritic: Around 63/100 (generally favorable).
- Standout quotes: “Practical creature work at its finest, and some top tier gore. Primate is a hugely successful swing-for-the-fences wild time” (Perri Nemiroff). “Lean, mean, and chimpanzee-n” (RogerEbert.com, 3/4 stars). “A thrilling sprint to the finish” (The Guardian). “An adrenaline rush of fun” (Bloody Disgusting, 3.5/5).
While some call it formulaic or overly familiar (generic teen victims, predictable beats), the consensus is that the practical effects, gore, and sheer entertainment value make it a crowd-pleaser. Horror fans looking for something visceral and unpretentious will love it—it’s not deep, but it’s wildly effective.
Where to Watch Primate (2026)
As of its release date (January 9, 2026), Primate is currently available only in theaters nationwide (distributed by Paramount Pictures).
- Book tickets and check showtimes:
- Fandango – Buy tickets online and find local theaters.
- AMC Theatres – Check showtimes at AMC locations.
- Official Primate Movie Website – Trailers, screenings, and ticket links.
Streaming options (like Paramount+ or digital rental/purchase) are not yet available. Based on Paramount’s typical release patterns, it could hit streaming around March 2026 (roughly 2 months post-theatrical), but check JustWatch or the official site for updates.
If you’re a horror fan craving gnarly practical effects and monkey mayhem, grab tickets now—this one’s worth the big-screen experience for the full intensity!
What do you think—ready to face Ben the killer chimp? Share your thoughts in the comments!
