Horror fans prepare for their deadliest pool party nightmare. Johannes Roberts delivers “Primate,” a terrifying creature-feature that transforms beloved family pets into lethal predators. The film already generates massive buzz following its Fantastic Fest premiere. Early reviews hail it as “the first great horror movie of 2026.”
The Plot
Lucy returns home to Hawaii for summer break. She reunites with her father Adam, sister Erin, and their pet chimpanzee Ben. Lucy plans a pool party with friends Kate, Hannah, and Kate’s older brother Nick. They take advantage of an empty house after Lucy’s father leaves for work.
However, disaster strikes without warning. Ben gets bitten by a rabid animal during the festivities. The gentle chimpanzee they once loved transforms into a vicious predator. Subsequently, the group faces a terrifying survival situation.
The friends barricade themselves in the pool for safety. Unfortunately, they have no means of calling for help. Therefore, they must work together to outsmart the now-ferocious Ben. Every decision becomes life or death as they fight to survive their ordeal.
Cast
Johnny Sequoyah leads the cast as Lucy. She’s known for her compelling work in “Dexter: New Blood.” Additionally, Academy Award winner Troy Kotsur plays her father Adam. His Oscar-winning performance in “CODA” brings gravitas to the horror setting.
Jessica Alexander portrays Hannah with memorable intensity. She recently appeared in “The Little Mermaid” live-action adaptation. The supporting cast creates believable family dynamics before terror strikes.
Behind the Camera
Johannes Roberts directs and co-writes the screenplay with Ernest Riera. Roberts brings extensive horror experience from “47 Meters Down” and “Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City.” His survival horror expertise shows throughout the production.
The film utilizes practical effects over CGI. This approach creates more visceral, believable scares. Furthermore, it allows actors to react authentically to real elements on set.
Producers Walter Hamada, John Hedges, and Bradley Pilz oversee the project. Meanwhile, Paramount Pictures handles distribution for wide theatrical release.
Release Date
“Primate” arrives in theaters on January 9, 2026. The early year positioning gives it competitive advantages in the horror market. Critics already recommend marking calendars for this essential viewing experience.
The Hawaii setting contrasts beautiful locations with violent events. This juxtaposition heightens terror while creating stunning visuals.
Conclusion
“Primate” promises to deliver genuine scares through practical craftsmanship and strong performances. The family pet premise immediately signals danger to genre fans. However, Roberts’ direction elevates the concept beyond typical creature-feature territory. If you enjoy survival horror with emotional stakes, this film deserves your attention when it swims into theaters next year.
