Primate is a 2025/2026 American natural horror film directed by Johannes Roberts, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Ernest Riera.
The story follows a family’s tropical vacation that quickly turns into a nightmare after their beloved adopted chimpanzee, Ben, is bitten by a rabid animal and becomes violently unpredictable. Ben was taught sign language by Lucy’s late mother and uses a device to communicate with the family.
What begins as a fun time on an island fun quickly devolves into a fight for survival as friends and family are hunted by the now rabid primate.
Movie Title: Primate
Year of Release: 2025 (festival), 2026 (theatrical)
Date of Release: January 9, 2026 (wide theatrical release — U.S.)
Director: Johannes Roberts
Writers: Johannes Roberts, Ernest Riera
Producers: Walter Hamada, John Hodges, Bradley Pilz
Production Companies: 18hz Productions
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Cast and Roles:
- Johnny Sequoyah as Lucy Pinborough
- Jessica Alexander as Hannah
- Troy Kotsur as Adam Pinborough
- Victoria Wyant as Kate
- Gia Hunter as Erin Pinborough
- Benjamin Cheng as Nick
- Charlie Mann as Drew
- Tienne Simon as Brad
- Miguel Torres Umba as Ben (chimpanzee)
- Kae Alexander — Role undisclosed
- Amina Abdi — Role undisclosed
- Albert Magashi — Role undisclosed
Running Time: 89 minutes
Age Rating: R (for gore, strong violent content)
Country: United States
Language: English
Genres: Horror, Thriller, Survival: Horror, Thriller, Survival
Music: Adrian Johnston
Cinematography: Stephen Murphy
Editing: Peter Gvozdas
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