PRIMATE

Primate (2026)

Directed by: Johannes Roberts

In some films, you are expected to sit quietly and concentrate on every detail… This isn’t one of them.

This movie thrives on audience participation, where loud reactions and over‑the‑top responses are highly encouraged. So make sure to experience it in theaters, surrounded by fellow moviegoers who are just as ready to join the fun. Watch the R‑18 version on the big screen, where every cracked bone is visible.

The story may be thin, but the film finds a way to compensate. It doesn’t flesh out the characters. Rather, it rips them apart in the most literal sense. Some camera shots may look basic, but they highlight what matters most in a gore film — showing body parts being torn apart. No holding back.

No matter how calm and demure you are as a person, you will lose your composure as soon as you see how brutal the scenes are. You won’t be able to control your emotions anymore. The only way you can release them is by shouting.

It feels so good to shout at the screen over and over again. The scenes compel you to do so. Blame the jumpscares that work so effectively. Whenever the chimpanzee jumps, your heart will jump too.

Ben, being an animal, significantly contributes to the unpredictability of the situation. One cannot foresee the extent of his possible actions. This constant sense of danger keeps your adrenaline pumping. When they say there’s something wrong with Ben, they really mean it.

A thriller wouldn’t be complete without some dumb actions here and there. While they bring moments of frustration and disappointment, they also heighten the excitement. You can’t help but make a lot of side comments.

Altogether, the mix of characters, jumpscares, and gore makes this movie an entertaining watch. From eliciting reactions to provoking comments, they have it covered.

𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘦 ate!  You now have a prime excuse to be loud at the cinema with your friends and mates.

𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐄

Cast: Miguel Hernando Torres Umba as Ben, Johnny Sequoyah, Jessica Alexander, Victoria Wyant, Gia Hunter, Benjamin Cheng, Charlie Mann, Tienne Simon, Amina Abdi, Troy Kotsur

Written by: Johannes Roberts, Ernest Riera

Presented by: 18Hz Productions, Paramount Pictures, Domain Entertainment

Release Date: January 21, 2026 in Philippine cinemas nationwide

A Movie Review by: Goldwin Reviews