Outline:
A Surprising Horror Hit in a Dull Month
January is often seen as a tough time for the movie industry. After the excitement of the holiday season, many films struggle to find an audience. This month typically features lower-budget releases and risky projects that don’t always succeed at the box office. However, this year, Paramount’s "Primate" has managed to surprise both critics and fans alike, especially within the horror genre.
The Story of Ben: A Chimp with a Dark Side
Set in the beautiful landscapes of Hawaii, "Primate" follows the story of Ben (Miguel Torres Umba), a highly intelligent chimpanzee who was once a test subject for a linguistic professor. He lived in an enclosure outside her luxurious home. Even after the professor passes away from cancer, Ben remains part of the family.
The family includes Lucy (Johnny Sequoyah), a college student who had distanced herself after her mother’s death, her resentful younger sister Erin (Gia Hunter), and their busy writer father Adam (Troy Kotsur). When Lucy returns home from college with her best friend Kate (Victoria Wyant) and a somewhat strange friend named Hannah (Jessica Alexander), things seem normal at first.
They are picked up by Nick (Benjamin Cheng), a hunky friend of the family, and Lucy might have feelings for him. Everything seems to be going smoothly until the family learns that Ben has been bitten by a mongoose, which was found dead in his enclosure. Adam locks him in the enclosure just to be safe.
A Horrifying Turn of Events
As the days go on, it becomes clear that something is wrong with Ben. Kate warns Lucy, and it turns out the mongoose had rabies. Soon enough, Ben breaks free and begins a series of brutal attacks. The film explores the terrifying reality of chimpanzees, known for their incredible strength and potential for violence.
A key scene takes place at the family’s cliffside pool, where Lucy and the others seek refuge. They assume that chimpanzees fear water, but Ben proves them wrong. He becomes patient, methodical, and dangerously aggressive. The pool turns into a cage, creating a tense and terrifying situation.
Unique Elements That Set "Primate" Apart
"Primate" has several elements that make it stand out. While most horror films rely heavily on sound to create scares, this one also uses silence effectively. The perspective of Adam, who is deaf, adds a unique layer to the suspense. His ability to sense Ben’s movements without hearing makes for some chilling sequences.
Miguel Torres Umba, who plays Ben, takes a different approach by wearing an ape suit instead of relying on CGI. As a movement specialist, he physically transforms into Ben, transitioning from a cute pet to a violent monster. This practical effect approach is a bold choice and adds authenticity to the performance.
Director and Music Add to the Experience
Johannes Roberts, known for directing other horror films like "The Strangers: Prey at Night" and the "47 Meters Down" series, brings his own flair to "Primate." He manages to have fun with the absurd premise, making the film more enjoyable than expected. The 80s-style score by composer Adrian Johnston enhances the overall experience, adding to the eerie atmosphere.
A Must-Watch for Horror Fans
In a month that’s usually a slump for the movie industry, "Primate" manages to shine despite the lack of big-name stars. Ben is not your typical horror villain, making the film even more engaging. If you’re a fan of horror and looking for something fresh, "Primate" is definitely worth checking out. For others, it could be a fun addition to your Halloween movie queue.
"Primate" is rated R for strong bloody violent content, gore, language, and some drug use. It runs for 1 hour and 29 minutes and is currently showing in theaters.