Primate

Synopsis: Lucy's tropical island homecoming turns deadly when her family's clever chimpanzee, Ben, becomes rabid. With her father away and no help coming, paradise becomes a prison as Lucy and her friends fight for survival against a pet they once trusted. 

Movie Review: 

"Primate" is directed by Johannes Roberts and is an original horror flick about a pet ape that contracts rabies, turning it into a ruthless killing machine. It’s a wild, gory, and entertaining B-movie that makes for a fun time at the cinema. What really stands out about this film is its over-the-top violence; it doesn’t shy away from the gore and blood, setting it apart from other horror films of the past. There are some genuinely intense and chilling scenes that enhance the overall experience. The practical effects and puppetry used to bring this chimpanzee to life are fantastic, making it terrifying and effective, which is one of the highlights of the movie. Miguel Herrnado Torres Unmbo, who dons the Monkey Ben suit, delivers an outstanding performance as the crazed animal. I also appreciated Jonny Sequoyah’s portrayal of Lucy, the main character grappling with family tragedy; she’s easily the best character in the film—charming, smart, and pretty. I loved her dynamic with her little sister Erin, played by Gia Hunter. However, despite the entertaining B-movie premise filled with bloody kills, the film does have its share of dull, annoying characters who seem to exist solely for the killer monkey to dispatch. The horror clichés and characters making foolish decisions can be frustrating at times. The plot gets a bit too silly and implausible, which detracts from the experience. Troy Kotsur plays the loving father Adam and does a great job, but I wish he had more screen time. The dialogue can be pretty cringeworthy, making me roll my eyes on occasion. Overall, "Primate" is a fun B-movie horror film that provides an enjoyable experience at the theater, and I’d rate it 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Director: Johannes Robert 

Cast: Johnny Sequoyah, Jessica Alexander, Victoria Wyant, Gia Hunter, Benjamin Cheng, Charlie Mann, Tine Simon with Miguel Hernando Torres Umba and Troy Kotsur 

Runtime: 89 Minutes