Review: Primate (2026): When the Family Pet Turns Predator!

Primate is a wild, bloody horror ride about a family’s pet chimp, Ben, who turns violent after contracting rabies from a mongoose bite. Set in a massive house perched on a Hawaiian cliff, the film traps you in constant tension as Ben lashes out in brutal ways. The family and their friends end up hiding in the swimming pool since the chimp can’t swim but nowhere ever feels truly safe.

Director #JohannesRoberts wastes no time, opening with a quick, bloody shock before shifting focus to college student Lucy returning home to her deaf father Adam, her sister Erin, and a group of friends hanging out at a pool party. When Ben starts to fall sick, things spiral into chaos. His attacks are slow, vicious, and disturbingly realistic, with effects that genuinely make you squirm.

Adam, played by Oscar-winner Troy Kotsur, communicates through sign language, and those quiet moments make the chimp’s sounds even creepier. The film also features clever camera work and largely avoids cheap jump scares. Characters panic and make poor decisions like stopping to grab their phones which only leads to more deaths.
It’s a wild, nonstop ride, perfect if you’re into simple, gross horror that keeps the adrenaline pumping.

Rating: ***1/2

By Team CineBuster