The horror film 'Primate', featuring a chimpanzee's violent rampage, is now available for streaming on Paramount Plus in the US and Canada as of Wednesday, March 25th. Directed by Johannes Roberts, the movie centers on a group of friends whose tropical vacation devolves into a terrifying struggle for survival. The film has been described as an "animal horror" slasher, steering clear of lighthearted narratives and focusing instead on visceral scares and graphic violence. Reviews indicate a heavy emphasis on gore, with one notable detail being the chimpanzee's penchant for removing victims' lower jaws.
The 'Wild Ride' Promises Primitive Fears
'Primate' presents a narrative of a pet chimpanzee, Ben, who turns violently aggressive after an unspecified incident, mirroring classic creature features. The film reportedly eschews complex plotlines in favor of a series of terrifying encounters. Director Johannes Roberts, known for similar genre work such as '47 Meters Down', appears to lean into suspense and visceral horror, utilizing practical effects and creature design to generate scares. While some critics acknowledge the film's effectiveness in delivering cheap thrills and gore, others point to its derivative nature, comparing it unfavorably to established tropes within the "killer animal" and slasher subgenres. The film's runtime is approximately 1 hour and 27 minutes and is rated R for its violent content, gore, language, and drug use.
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Narrative Threads and Familiarity
The plot of 'Primate' reportedly follows a college student, Lucy (played by Johnny Sequoyah), who returns home and reconnects with her family and their chimpanzee, Ben. Ben, who had learned to communicate via iPad and was a significant part of the family, becomes the catalyst for the horror after an event involving a mongoose bite triggers his aggressive transformation. The film also features actor Troy Kotsur, whose deafness is reportedly incorporated into the narrative. Despite some attempts at character development and exploration of family trauma, the overarching sentiment from reviews suggests that the film largely sticks to a straightforward slasher formula: an animal contracts a disease and violently attacks those around it. The visual presentation, particularly the creature effects, has received some commendation for its effectiveness.
Streaming and Access Considerations
For those looking to stream 'Primate', access is primarily through Paramount Plus. Viewers intending to use a VPN for access, particularly when traveling abroad, are advised to verify the terms of service with their streaming provider to ensure compliance and avoid potential blocking. The film's availability on Paramount Plus began on March 25th in the United States and Canada.
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Background
Johannes Roberts, an English filmmaker, has a history of working within the low-budget horror sphere. His previous work, including the '47 Meters Down' films, often involves creatures and survival scenarios. 'Primate' appears to be an extension of his interest in these themes, blending elements of creature features with slasher conventions. The film's reception suggests a division between those who appreciate its direct approach to horror and gore, and those who find its narrative predictable and unoriginal within the genre landscape. The film also touches upon the uncanny nature of primates, noting their close resemblance to humans and their inherent capacity for violence, a theme explored in other "slasher monkey" movies.
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