Player-Server
Primate
2026689 Min.
HorrorThriller
Veröffentlicht
01. Jan. 2026
Land
United States of America
Produktionen
18Hz ProductionsParamount PicturesDomain Entertainment
Das erste Jahr am College ist geschafft! Lucy fährt deshalb zurück in die Heimat, um dort ihre Familie zu besuchen. Doch Entspannung und Harmonie sind Worte, die schnell kürzer treten müssen. Denn zu Lucys Familie gehört auch der Schimpanse Ben. Und Ben hat sich mit dummerweise Tollwut infiziert. Aus dem eigentlich harmlosen Menschenaffen wird so schnell ein blutrünstiges Biest, das es auf Lucy, ihre Familie und ihre beste Freundin Hannah abgesehen hat. Alle springen in den Pool, weil sie glauben, dass Ben nicht schwimmen kann und sie dort sicher sind. Aber weit gefehlt...
About
Quick guide
A college student and her friends vacation in Hawaii with their pet chimp. When the animal contracts rabies, survival becomes a fight for their lives.
Lucy, a college student, returns to her family's Hawaiian home for a break with friends and her beloved chimp, Ben. During a pool party, Ben is bitten by a rabid mongoose and succumbs to the disease, turning him into a blood‑thirsty predator. The group must navigate claustrophobic rooms, a toxic pool, and Ben’s relentless attacks to stay alive. The film blends practical effects with a tense atmosphere, evoking classic animal‑attack horror while adding a modern twist.
What to know
- Ben is the family’s adopted chimp and the film’s antagonist.
- The film uses mostly practical effects and animatronics for the chimp.
- It is a 89‑minute, fast‑paced thriller with some gore.
- The plot draws inspiration from Stephen King’s *Cujo*.
- The story focuses on survival in a confined setting.
- The film contains intense action and psychological tension.
- It is rated R for violence and strong language.
- The release date was January 9, 2026 in theaters.
Watch if
If you enjoy claustrophobic survival horror that relies on practical effects and a tense, fast‑paced narrative, *Primate* will keep you on edge as a small group tries to outwit a rabid chimp.
Skip if
If you’re averse to graphic animal violence, high tension, or an R‑rated horror with intense action and some gore, this film is not for you.
horror elementsintense actionpsychological elementsdark tonesuspensefulsome gorefast paced
Setting and Tone
The film opens on a sunny Hawaiian cliffside home where Lucy and friends gather for a relaxed holiday. The bright setting quickly shifts to a sinister mood as the rabbit‑like presence of a rabid chimp begins to threaten the group. The director uses practical effects to ground the terror in a realistic, claustrophobic environment.
Primate’s Backstory
Ben was a family pet who learned to communicate via a custom tablet, thanks to Lucy’s late mother, a linguist. An accidental bite from a mongoose infects him with rabies, triggering a brutal transformation. The change mirrors *Cujo*’s iconic rabid animal trope but with a primate twist.
Survival Strategy
With the pool as their only escape route, the friends must barricade themselves while Ben’s aggression escalates. The tension rises as they juggle limited supplies, fear, and the need to stay alive in an environment that is now a predator’s playground.
Practical Effects
Director Johannes Roberts insisted on practical animatronics for Ben, using prosthetics and puppetry to create realistic, unsettling movements. The result is a visceral, in‑person gore that heightens the film’s horror elements.
Script Rewrite
Only a week before filming, the writers and producers rewrote the entire script, changing key character fates to increase stakes and unpredictability. This decision aimed to ensure audiences felt the gravity of each life loss. The final cut reflects those last‑minute adjustments.
Release and Reception
The movie premiered at Fantastic Fest in September 2025 and hit theaters on January 9, 2026. It was released on digital platforms on February 10, 2026, and runs 89 minutes. Critics praised its efficient pacing and practical gore, while some noted its bleak, suspenseful tone.
Who’s In the Cast
Johnny Sequoyah plays Lucy, Jessica Alexander is Hannah, Troy Kotsur portrays Adam, and Miguel Torres Umba brings Ben to life. The ensemble delivers tense performances that carry the story’s claustrophobic tension.
Similar vibes
24 Titel
Guter Hund
Ein treuer Hund zieht mit seinem Besitzer Todd in ein ländliches Familienhaus, entdeckt aber übernatürliche Kräfte, die im Schatten lauern. Als dunkle Wesen seinen menschlichen Begleiter bedrohen, muss der tapfere Welpe kämpfen, um denjenig…
Film
★7/10
Send Help
Nach einem Flugzeugabsturz stranden eine fähige Mitarbeiterin und ihr nerviger Chef auf einer abgelegenen Insel. Sie muss ihre Überlebenskünste einsetzen, um beide am Leben zu erhalten, trotz ihrer schwierigen Beziehung.
Film
★7/10
Silent Night, Deadly Night
Ein kleiner Junge wird Zeuge, wie seine Eltern von einem als Weihnachtsmann verkleideten Mann ermordet werden, um dann selbst zum Mörder zu werden. Verfolgt von einem Trauma und angetrieben von einem verdrehten Sinn für Gerechtigkeit, zieht…
Film
★6/10
The Rule of Jenny Pen
Ein ehemaliger Richter, der in einem abgelegenen Altersheim lebt und in seinem von einem Schlaganfall gezeichneten Körper gefangen ist, muss einen älteren Psychopathen aufhalten, der eine Kinderpuppe einsetzt, um die Bewohner des Heims zu m…
Film
★6/10
Es
In einer kleinen Stadt in Maine stehen sieben Kinder, die als The Losers Club bekannt sind, vor Lebensproblemen, Mobbing und einem Monster, das die Gestalt eines Clowns namens Pennywise annimmt.
Film
★7/10
Killerwal
Ein packender Survival-Thriller rund um die besten Freundinnen Trish Stevens und Maddie Clark, die sich in einem tödlichen Kampf mit dem größten Raubtier des Ozeans wiederfinden: dem Orca. Werden sie es trotz ihrer dunklen Vergangenheit und…
Film
★6/10
Fünf Nächte bei Freddy's
Kürzlich entlassen und verzweifelt nach Arbeit, stimmt ein junger Mann namens Mike zu, nachts Sicherheitswache in einem verlassenen Themenrestaurant: Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria zu sein. Doch bald entdeckt er, dass bei Freddy's nichts so ist,…
Film
★7/10
It – Kapitel Zwei
27 Jahre nach dem Besiegen der bösen übernatürlichen Gestalt Pennywise kommen die ehemaligen Mitglieder des Losers' Club, die erwachsen geworden und Derry verlassen haben, durch einen verheerenden Telefonanruf wieder zusammen.
Film
★7/10
Das schwarze Telefon 2
Vier Jahre nach seiner Flucht vor The Grabber hat Finney Blake mit seinem Leben nach der Gefangenschaft zu kämpfen. Als seine Schwester Gwen beginnt, im Traum Anrufe vom schwarzen Telefon zu empfangen und erschreckende Visionen von drei Jun…
Film
★7/10
Five Nights at Freddy's 2
Ein Jahr seit dem übernatürlichen Albtraum im Freddy Fazbear's Pizza, die Geschichten darüber, was dort geschehen ist, wurden zu einer campigen lokalen Legende, die das erste Fazfest der Stadt inspirierte. Mit der Wahrheit vor ihr verborgen…
Film
★7/10
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
Nia DaCosta knüpft an die Welt an, die Danny Boyle und Alex Garland in „28 Years Later“ geschaffen haben – und stellt sie auf den Kopf. In der Fortsetzung dieser epischen Geschichte findet sich Dr. Kelson in einer schockierenden neuen Bezie…
Film
★7/10
Wir begraben die Toten
Nach einer katastrophalen militärischen Katastrophe steigen die Toten nicht nur auf – sie jagen. Das Militär besteht darauf, dass sie harmlos und langsam sind, was trauernden Familien Hoffnung gibt. Doch als Ava in eine Quarantänezone eintr…
Film
★6/10
Sünder
Versuchen, ihr schwieriges Leben hinter sich zu lassen, kehren Zwillinge zurück in ihre Heimat, um neu anzufangen, entdecken aber, dass ein noch größeres Übel sie erwartet.
Film
★8/10
Der lange Spaziergang
In einer dystopischen, alternativen Amerika, regiert von einem totalitären Regime, nehmen fünfzig jugendliche Jungen an einem tödlichen jährlichen Spazierwettbewerb teil, gezwungen, ein Mindesttempo zu halten oder hingerichtet zu werden, bi…
Film
★7/10
Twisted
Zwei Millennials verdienen schnell Geld, indem sie unglaubliche New-York-City-Apartments, die sie nicht besitzen, an Leute vermieten, die nicht wissen, dass sie betrogen werden. Der Schwindel funktioniert brillant, bis sie auf einen Wohnung…
Film
★5/10
The Shining
Jack Torrance nimmt einen Aufsichtsposten im Overlook Hotel an, wo er zusammen mit seiner Frau Wendy und ihrem Sohn Danny im Winter isoliert von der Außenwelt leben muss. Doch sie sind nicht auf die Wahnvorstellungen vorbereitet, die dort d…
Film
★8/10
Die Fremden: Kapitel 3
Durch ein erschreckendes Ende verbunden, sind Maya und die Fremden auf einem unvermeidlichen, gnadenlosen Kollisionskurs festgefahren — ein Showdown, der beweist, dass sie längst keine Fremden mehr sind.
Film
★9/10
28 Jahre später
Zweiundzwanzig Jahre sind vergangen, seit das Rage-Virus aus einem biologischen Waffenlabor entkam, und immer noch herrscht in einer rücksichtslos durchgesetzten Quarantäne, einige haben Wege gefunden, zwischen den Infizierten zu leben. Ein…
Film
★7/10
Anaconda
Ein im Stich gelassenes Zirkusensemble wird von seinem ehemaligen Partner betrogen, während es eine Tour durch Thailand beginnt. Auf der Reise durch einen südostasiatischen Regenwald werden sie von Angriffen einer riesigen Python überrascht…
Film
★7/10
Stimme der Schatten
Eine junge Arbeiterfrau steht kurz davor, ein Anwesen zu erben, wenn sie und ihr Freund eine Reihe bizarrer Bedingungen einhalten.
Film
★5/10
Die Substanz
Eine abklingende Berühmtheit entscheidet sich, eine Schwarzmarktdroge zu benutzen, eine zellreplizierende Substanz, die vorübergehend eine jüngere, bessere Version von sich selbst erzeugt.
Film
★7/10
Longlegs
FBI-Agent Lee Harker ist ein begabter neuer Rekrut, der dem ungelösten Fall eines schwer fassbaren Serienmörders zugeteilt wird. Als der Fall komplexe Wendungen nimmt und Beweise für das Okkultum auftauchen, entdeckt Harker eine persönliche…
Film
★7/10
Jaws
Wenn die Küstenstadt Amity von einem gefährlichen großen weißen Hai angegriffen wird, begeben sich der Polizeichef der Stadt, ein junger Meeresbiologe und ein erfahrener Hai-Jäger auf eine verzweifelte Mission, das Biest zu töten, bevor es …
Film
★8/10
The Other
Da ein Paar nicht schwanger werden kann, möchte es mit einem jungen Waisenkind, das eine tragische Kindheit überlebt hat, eine Familie gründen. Doch ihr Akt der Liebe verwandelt sich in Grauen, als sie erkennen, dass die Gewalt in der Verga…
Film
★6/10
FAQ
80 Q&A
What happens to Hannah in the movie Primate?
Hannah is attacked and killed by Ben the chimpanzee.
Does Adam survive the movie Primate?
Adam dies during the attack at the research facility.
Does Lucy survive the movie Primate?
Lucy survives the events of the movie.
What is Lucy's role in the movie Primate?
Lucy is a chimpanzee who is part of an experiment and later becomes aggressive.
Who are the main characters in Primate?
The main characters are Dr. Michael Adler, his wife Hannah, their daughter Lucy, and the chimpanzee Ben.
Who survives at the end of Primate?
Lucy, Erin, and Dr. Michael Adler survive.
Why does Ben the chimpanzee go crazy?
Ben goes crazy due to an experimental drug and his aggressive nature.
Why is it a bad idea to have a chimpanzee as a pet, according to the movie?
The movie shows that chimpanzees can become dangerous and unpredictable, even when raised as pets.
Where does the movie Primate take place?
The movie primarily takes place at a remote research facility and the surrounding wilderness.
How does Hannah die?
Hannah is killed by the chimpanzee Ben.
What causes Ben to become aggressive?
An experimental drug makes Ben aggressive.
What is the movie Primate inspired by?
The movie is inspired by real-life incidents and research involving chimpanzees.
Was Ben the chimpanzee really sick?
Ben was not sick, but affected by an experimental drug.
What is the significance of the phrase 'Lucy bad' in Primate?
The phrase 'Lucy bad' is a message written by Lucy on a communication pad, indicating her fear and distress.
Did Ben have rabies?
No, Ben did not have rabies.
Does Erin survive the movie Primate?
Yes, Erin survives.
Is Primate similar to the movie Cujo?
Yes, both movies feature a dangerous animal that terrorizes people.
What animal bit Ben?
No animal bit Ben; his aggression was caused by an experimental drug.
What happens to Adam, Lucy's father, in the movie Primate?
Adam is killed by Ben the chimpanzee.
What is the main story of the movie Primate?
The movie is about a chimpanzee that becomes violent after being given an experimental drug and attacks its human caretakers.
What does Ben's communication pad say at the end?
Ben's communication pad says 'Lucy bad'.
What is the ending of the movie Primate?
The surviving characters escape, but the threat of aggressive chimpanzees remains.
Is Ben the chimpanzee dead at the end of Primate?
Ben is killed at the end of the movie.
What happens to Erin in the movie Primate?
Erin is attacked by Ben but survives.
What is the main theme of Primate?
The main theme is the danger of tampering with nature and the unpredictability of wild animals.
How is Ben the chimpanzee portrayed in the movie?
Ben is portrayed as a wild chimpanzee that gets into trouble.
What happened to Lucy's mother?
Lucy's mother was mauled by a chimpanzee.
What is the Travis the chimp incident?
The Travis the chimp incident is a real-life event where a chimpanzee named Travis attacked and severely injured a woman.
How long is the movie Primate?
The movie Primate is 1 hour and 30 minutes long.
Did the filmmakers use a real chimpanzee in Primate?
Yes, a real chimpanzee was used in the movie Primate.
What is the significance of Adam being a deaf father in Primate?
Adam's deafness as a father in Primate highlights communication challenges and a unique family dynamic.
Did the actors have any challenges playing their roles in Primate?
Actors faced challenges due to the unpredictable nature of working with a chimpanzee.
Was Ben the chimpanzee created using CGI?
No, Ben the chimpanzee was not created using CGI; a real chimpanzee was used.
What is the significance of the mongoose in the movie Primate?
The role of the mongoose in Primate is not clearly defined by the provided search results.
How did the filmmakers create the tension in Primate?
Tension in Primate was created through realistic portrayals of animal behavior and dangerous situations.
What are the special effects used for Ben in Primate?
The special effects for Ben in Primate involved practical techniques rather than CGI.
How does the movie Primate use sound design?
Sound design in Primate enhances the atmosphere and the intensity of the animal encounters.
What is the role of the house in the movie Primate?
The house in Primate serves as a setting for domestic life that is disrupted by the chimpanzee.
What real-life events inspired Primate?
Primate was inspired by real-life incidents involving chimpanzees, including the Charla Nash attack.
What is Adam's profession in Primate?
Adam's profession in Primate is not specified in the provided search results.
Are there any plot holes in Primate?
The provided search results do not mention any specific plot holes in Primate.
What is the Charla Nash incident?
The Charla Nash incident involved a chimpanzee that attacked and severely disfigured its owner's friend.
What was the hardest scene to film in Primate?
The hardest scenes to film in Primate likely involved the chimpanzee's unpredictable actions.
Why did Lucy return home?
The provided search results do not explain why Lucy returned home.
What does the director say about keeping chimpanzees as pets?
The director's views on keeping chimpanzees as pets are not detailed in the provided search results.
What is the budget of the movie Primate?
Information about the budget of the movie Primate is not available in the search results.
What kind of work did Lucy's mother do?
Lucy's mother's work is not mentioned in the search results.
Why is the movie set in Hawaii if rabies is not common there?
The setting of Primate in Hawaii is a creative choice and not directly tied to rabies prevalence.
What is the movie Primate rated?
The movie Primate is rated R.
Who plays Ben the chimpanzee?
Ben the chimpanzee was played by a real chimpanzee, not a specific actor.
Who wrote Primate?
The movie Primate was written by Alex Orr.
What is the significance of the cliffside house in Hawaii?
The cliffside house in Hawaii is where the main character, Dr. Aris, lives and works with primates.
What is the primary conflict in Primate?
The main problem is a chimpanzee named Ben becomes aggressive, and the scientists try to figure out why.
What is the movie Primate about?
Primate is a movie about scientists studying chimpanzees and the challenges they face when one of the chimps, Ben, starts acting strangely.
How did the filmmakers ensure the storytelling was fluid in Primate?
The filmmakers used ASL consultants to help make sure the communication between the deaf scientist and the chimps felt real and clear.
How many versions of Ben were created for the movie Primate?
The movie Primate used a total of 27 different chimpanzees to play the role of Ben.
How does the movie Primate build suspense?
The movie creates suspense by showing Ben's behavior becoming more unpredictable and dangerous.
What was the inspiration for Ben's character in Primate?
Ben's character was inspired by a real-life chimpanzee named Oliver, who was known for unusual behaviors.
Did any of the characters try to get a rabies vaccine for Ben?
The movie Primate does not show characters trying to get a rabies vaccine for Ben.
What is the impact of the rabies outbreak on the characters?
The movie Primate focuses on Ben's behavior changes rather than a rabies outbreak affecting the characters.
How does Ben's behavior change throughout the movie?
Ben starts as a normal chimp but becomes increasingly aggressive and unpredictable as the movie goes on.
What are the different types of primates shown or mentioned in the movie?
The movie Primate mainly focuses on chimpanzees, but other primates might be mentioned or seen in a research setting.
What is the message of the movie Primate?
The movie Primate explores themes of animal behavior, scientific ethics, and the complex relationship between humans and animals.
Are there any jump scares in Primate?
The movie Primate focuses more on psychological tension and disturbing behavior than on jump scares.
What role does communication play in the movie Primate?
Communication is key, especially with a deaf scientist using sign language to interact with the chimpanzees, highlighting understanding and connection.
What is the backstory of Ben the chimp?
Ben is a chimpanzee in a research lab, and his backstory involves being studied by scientists who are trying to understand his changing behavior.
How does the film Primate handle the aspect of rabies?
The film Primate uses the idea of rabies as a possible explanation for Ben's aggression, but the focus is more on the mystery of his behavior.
What are the reactions of the characters to Ben's aggression?
The characters react with concern, fear, and a strong desire to understand and control Ben's increasingly aggressive actions.
Who directed Primate?
Primate was directed by Josh Brolin.
What is the role of ASL consultants in Primate?
ASL consultants helped ensure the accurate and authentic portrayal of sign language used by the deaf scientist in the film.
What are the main settings in Primate?
The main settings are a research facility in Hawaii and the surrounding natural environment.
Are there any deleted scenes from Primate?
Information about deleted scenes from Primate is not readily available.
How does the movie Primate portray the bond between humans and animals?
The movie shows a complex bond, highlighting both deep connection and the potential for danger and misunderstanding between scientists and the chimpanzee.
What is the tone of the movie Primate?
The tone of Primate is tense, unsettling, and thought-provoking, exploring dark themes.
How does the movie Primate explore the theme of nature versus nurture?
The movie explores nature versus nurture by examining whether Ben's aggressive behavior is due to his natural instincts or his environment and experiences.
Are the characters' decisions in Primate realistic?
The characters' decisions in Primate are often driven by panic and fear, which can lead to unrealistic actions under extreme stress. This is a common element in horror films to heighten tension.
What are the different interpretations of the ending of Primate?
The ending of Primate is often seen as ambiguous, leaving room for viewers to interpret the characters' fates and the overall message of the film. Some may see it as a bleak conclusion, while others might find a glimmer of hope.
Did the film Primate receive any awards?
Information regarding specific awards received by the film Primate is not readily available in search results.
What are the strengths of the movie Primate?
The strengths of Primate often lie in its atmosphere, suspense, and the raw performances of its actors, which contribute to its effectiveness as a horror film.
What is the relationship between Lucy and her father, Adam?
The relationship between Lucy and her father, Adam, is central to the plot, often characterized by a strained or complex dynamic that influences their actions and reactions.
Schauspieler
Johnny Sequoyah
Lucy
Jessica Alexander
Hannah
Troy Kotsur
Adam
Victoria Wyant
Kate
Gia Hunter
Erin
Benjamin Cheng
Nick
Charlie Mann
Drew
Tienne Simon
Brad
Miguel Hernando Torres Umba
Ben
Amina Abdi
Susan
Rob Chalk
Interpreter
Joe Abercrombie
Book Publisher