A new, brutally violent horror film about a killer chimpanzee is generating immense buzz, with critics already declaring it one of the best movies of 2026. The film, titled Primate, is directed by Johannes Roberts, known for 47 Metres Down and The Strangers: Prey at Night.
What is Primate About?
Primate follows an average American family and their pet chimp, Ben. The story takes a terrifying turn when Ben is bitten by a rabid animal, triggering a sudden and extreme transformation into a vicious killer that puts the entire family in mortal danger. The film is scheduled for release in UK cinemas on January 30, 2026.
Following screenings at festivals, including last year's FrightFest Halloween in London, the movie has captivated horror enthusiasts. Critics have taken to social media to praise its unflinching approach to gore and tension.
A Critical Sensation
The response from film critics and industry figures has been overwhelmingly positive. On social media platform X, filmmaker Joe Russo wrote: ‘Seen Primate twice and I’m happy to report, I’m still bananas for it. We got a five-star banger and it’s only January.’
Other critics echoed the sentiment, focusing on the film's relentless pace and practical effects. Derrick Murray advised: ‘Primate is straight up apes**t!... 0 fat, no metaphor for grief, just pure unadulterated monkey mayhem. Worth seeing in a theater with a crowd.’
Freelance critic Rebecca Sayce, in her review, noted the film's immediate impact: ‘When a man has his face ripped off in the first five minutes of a film, you know you’re in for a wild ride.’ She awarded the film 3 stars, describing it as a straightforward, no-nonsense horror that kicks off the cinematic year explosively.
Rave Reviews and Ratings
The critical acclaim is reflected in aggregate scores. Primate currently holds a 77% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 66 reviews. The critical consensus reads: ‘That’s one bad ape, and Primate is one lean, mean, effective chiller.’
Major publications have joined the chorus of praise. The Guardian highlighted Roberts' direction, calling it a ‘confident leveling up for a genre film-maker finding his sweet spot.’ Bloody Disgusting commended the ‘stunning practical effects, and nail-biting suspense’, while the Austin Chronicle stated it was the blood-flavoured popcorn flick for those who wanted more chimp violence from Nope.
With its lean 89-minute runtime and focus on visceral, practical horror, Primate is positioned as a must-see theatrical experience for genre fans when it arrives in cinemas at the end of January.
