DVD Corner

Primate Blu-ray Review

“Primate” treads water far too often.

Written by Ernest Riera and Johannes Roberts (who also directs here), “Primate” is a violent killer chimp/when animals attack movie. The story revolves around Lucy- the daughter of a famed deaf novelist (Adam). Lucy returns home to Hawaii to her father’s remote luxury estate where she is set to hang out with her sister Erin and her friends Kate, Kate’s brother Nick, Hannah, Brad and Drew while Adam is away on business. Adam has a pet chimp (Ben) who has been bitten by a rabid mongoose (you know, that old trope). As one might probably surmise, the now rabid Ben begins to wreak havoc on Lucy and company. 

Despite the fact that “Primate” is a standard killer chimp movie, it somehow still underwhelms. It could have been an effective survival horror thriller/killer animal flick, but instead is let down by poor writing. Roberts and Riera write themselves into a corner as much of the time the characters are literally splashing around in a pool to get away from the rabid chimp as if the writers are unsure of what to do next. Of course, there’s action outside of the pool which is where the chaos happens, but this is also where the idiotic character actions take place. Let’s not forget the big leaps in logic here like Ben’s rabid state happening quickly when in reality it would take a lot longer to take effect. Given that this is a horror flick though, you don’t come into this film looking for a sophisticated story.

Where “Primate” does deliver is with the gore and practical effects. You have to respect Johannes Roberts for not pulling any punches here. The violence is downright brutal as Ben rips faces and jaws off. It was also nice to see more of a focus on practical effects (ie costumes and animatronic mask). Yes, there’s CGI naturally, but there’s a greater emphasis on a man in a suit. Always great to see that as someone who generally dislikes CGI horror.

Cast wise, much of the characters are merely fodder for death, but there’s two notable performances here from Oscar winner Troy Kotsur as Adam and Johnny Sequoyah as Lucy. The character work is certainly minimal here, but the two do an admirable job in leading the human cast.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. How does it look? Expect a pristine hi-def transfer.

Audio Track: Dolby Atmos. How does it sound? From the music to the chimp sounds, this track delivers.

Extras:
* Digital copy
* Commentary by writer/director Johannes Roberts and producer Walter Hamada.
* “Primal Terror: Directing Primate”- Johannes Roberts and others talk about making the project and the direction. Behind-the-scenes footage is included.
* “New Blood: The Faces Of Primate”- A cast featurette.
* “Creating Ben” is all about the actor (Miguel Torres Umba) who played Ben the chimp along with the costume and animatronic mask.
* “Designing Paradise” revolves around the set and production design.

April 4, 2026 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Chimp, Horror Movie, Primate Blu-ray Review, Primate Movie