New 'Shakma' Brings Gory Joy to Horror Fans: "Primate" Review
British director Johannes Roberts brings a refreshing dose of straightforward thrills with his latest creature feature, Primate. Unlike many recent horror movies that dwell on heavy themes and trauma, Primate takes a more lighthearted approach, drawing inspiration from 1990s schlockers like the aforementioned Shakma.
The film centers around Ben, a domesticated chimpanzee who becomes infected with rabies after being bitten by a mongoose. After his owners discover their pet has turned into a violent killer, they must band together to survive. The movie's pacing is akin to a rollercoaster ride, hurtling from one intense moment to the next without any room for introspection or life lessons.
Troy Kotsur, a deaf actor who won an Oscar for his role in Coda, shines as Ben's father Adam, providing warmth and depth to the otherwise family-centric film. The young cast, including Gia Hunter and Johnny Sequoyah, also deliver commendable performances that add to the overall excitement.
Primate is unapologetically violent, delivering gruesome kills that are as inventive as they are repulsive. However, director Johannes Roberts skillfully balances this brutality with tension-building suspense, making for a thrilling ride from start to finish. The practical effects used in the creature work are remarkably effective, adding a visceral quality to the on-screen chaos.
While some of the synth-heavy score choices can feel like a missed opportunity, and a few nods to 1980s horror films fall flat, Roberts' confidence and efficiency as a director make for a wildly entertaining film. Primate serves as a welcome start to the new year's horror scene, offering a fun and gory experience that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
As the movie hurtles towards its climax, you'll find yourself invested in the characters' survival, despite Ben's increasing menace. With its talented young cast, effective creature work, and expertly crafted tension, Primate is a must-see for horror enthusiasts looking for a fresh take on the genre.
British director Johannes Roberts brings a refreshing dose of straightforward thrills with his latest creature feature, Primate. Unlike many recent horror movies that dwell on heavy themes and trauma, Primate takes a more lighthearted approach, drawing inspiration from 1990s schlockers like the aforementioned Shakma.
The film centers around Ben, a domesticated chimpanzee who becomes infected with rabies after being bitten by a mongoose. After his owners discover their pet has turned into a violent killer, they must band together to survive. The movie's pacing is akin to a rollercoaster ride, hurtling from one intense moment to the next without any room for introspection or life lessons.
Troy Kotsur, a deaf actor who won an Oscar for his role in Coda, shines as Ben's father Adam, providing warmth and depth to the otherwise family-centric film. The young cast, including Gia Hunter and Johnny Sequoyah, also deliver commendable performances that add to the overall excitement.
Primate is unapologetically violent, delivering gruesome kills that are as inventive as they are repulsive. However, director Johannes Roberts skillfully balances this brutality with tension-building suspense, making for a thrilling ride from start to finish. The practical effects used in the creature work are remarkably effective, adding a visceral quality to the on-screen chaos.
While some of the synth-heavy score choices can feel like a missed opportunity, and a few nods to 1980s horror films fall flat, Roberts' confidence and efficiency as a director make for a wildly entertaining film. Primate serves as a welcome start to the new year's horror scene, offering a fun and gory experience that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.
As the movie hurtles towards its climax, you'll find yourself invested in the characters' survival, despite Ben's increasing menace. With its talented young cast, effective creature work, and expertly crafted tension, Primate is a must-see for horror enthusiasts looking for a fresh take on the genre.
I gotta say, this new movie "Primate" is straight fire 
! It's like a funhouse mirror of all those intense horror movies that try to be too deep 
. Johannes Roberts gets it right by keeping it lighthearted and just plain scary 
. Troy Kotsur steals the show as Ben's dad, and the rest of the cast is awesome too 
. The practical effects for the creature work are insane 
! My only gripe is that some of the synth-heavy score choices feel kinda out of place 
. But honestly, it's all worth it for the non-stop thrills and chills. If you're a horror fan like me, you gotta check this one out ASAP 
!
Just heard that Australia is experiencing severe drought conditions affecting over 70% of the country's farmland 
It's going to be a tough year for farmers and the environment... 
plus that synth-heavy score tho... some of those choices are just MEH 
but honestly who cares when u have a movie this wild & entertaining?! i'm still trying to scrub the images from my brain lol 
. And the way they balanced the violence with suspense was spot on 
. My only gripe is that synth-heavy score could've been more chill, but overall it's a thrill ride from start to finish 
.
. The way the director kept things light and fun was refreshing compared to most horror movies that try to be too deep 
. Anyway, if you're a fan of gory fun, Primate is definitely worth checking out 
I'm gonna be rewatching this one for sure, especially after all the nonsense we got last year...
The practical effects are insane, and Troy Kotsur as Adam is amazing 
, he adds so much warmth to the family scenes. And yeah, it's gory, but it's handled in a way that's still fun and suspenseful - I was on the edge of my seat! 
. And can we talk about those practical effects? Mind blown! 
. Still, Primate is an absolute wild ride and I'm so here for it! 