Primate is a chilling creature-feature horror film that has become a surprise hit in early 2026. Directed by Johannes Roberts (the filmmaker behind 47 Meters Down), the movie explores the terrifying consequences of a pet chimpanzee turning into a savage predator.
Primate Movie 2026 Overviews
| Field | Details |
| Movie Name | Primate |
| Director | Johannes Roberts |
| Producers | Walter Hamada, John Hodges, Bradley Pilz |
| Lead Cast | Johnny Sequoyah, Troy Kotsur, and Jessica Alexander |
| Release Date | January 9, 2026 (Global) / January 23, 2026 (India) |
| OTT Platform | Paramount+ (Streaming) / Apple TV & Prime Video (Digital) |
| Digital Release | February 10, 2026 (Available Now for Rent/Purchase) |
| Running Time | 1 hour 29 minutes (89 minutes) |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $21 – $24 million |
| CBFC Rating | UA 16+ (Strong violence and gore) |
Primate Movie 2026 OTT Release Date
If you missed it in theaters, Primate just arrived on digital platforms (Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and Google Play) on February 10, 2026, for rent or purchase. It is expected to arrive on the Paramount+ subscription service in March 2026.
Primate Movie 2026 Storyline
The story follows Lucy (Johnny Sequoyah), who returns to her family’s secluded, luxury villa in Hawaii with a group of friends for a tropical getaway. Her father, Adam (Troy Kotsur), is a deaf-mute writer who has a deep emotional bond with their family pet, an exceptionally intelligent chimpanzee named Ben.
The Incident: The vacation turns into a nightmare when Ben is bitten by a rabid mongoose.
The Transformation: The rabies spreads rapidly, turning the once-gentle Ben into a calculating, hyper-violent killer.
The Struggle: With Adam away and a storm cutting off all communication, Lucy and her friends are trapped in the high-tech villa. They must use their wits to survive as they are hunted by a predator that knows the house—and their habits—better than they do.
Quick Review & Reception
The “Gore” Factor: Critics are calling it a “ruthlessly efficient” slasher. The film relies heavily on practical effects rather than CGI to bring the chimp to life, making the attacks feel disturbingly real.
Standout Performances: Troy Kotsur (Oscar winner for CODA) is praised for his silent, emotional performance, while Miguel Torres Umba is being lauded for his physical performance inside the “Ben” suit.
Box Office Success: Despite its modest budget, the film has already grossed over $40 million worldwide, making it one of the most profitable horror films of 2026 so far.
Critical Score: It currently holds a solid 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, with many comparing it to 90s animal-attack classics like Shakma but with a modern, “Gen Z” twist.
