PRIMATE 2026 Film: Synopsis, Cast, and Interesting Facts That Will Give You Chills!

Kapanlagi.com - A holiday that was supposed to be full of joy suddenly turns into an unimaginable nightmare in the latest horror film, PRIMATE. Directed by Johannes Roberts, this film promises thrilling tension.

This terrifying story centers around Ben, the family's pet chimpanzee, who suddenly becomes a deadly threat after being bitten by a rabid wild animal. The family must now fight for survival amidst the threat of the chimpanzee.

The film PRIMATE is scheduled to be released in the United States on January 9, 2026, and in Indonesia on January 23, 2026. Here’s the synopsis and interesting facts about the film PRIMATE that is set to haunt theaters at the beginning of the year.

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1. Lucy’s Return and Reunion with Ben

Lucy’s Return and Reunion with Ben (credit: Paramount Pictures)

The story of the film PRIMATE begins with Lucy (played by Johnny Sequoyah) returning to her family home in Hawaii. She comes back to enjoy summer vacation after completing her first year in college.

There, Lucy reunites with her father, Adam (Troy Kotsur), her younger sister Erin, and of course, Ben. Ben is the family’s pet chimpanzee who is very loyal and friendly, even considered an inseparable part of their family.

The warm and loving atmosphere envelops this family reunion, seeming to be the beginning of a perfect holiday. However, this happiness is merely the calm before the storm of horror strikes.

2. Tragedy at the Pool Party

Tragedy at the Swimming Pool Party (credit: Paramount Pictures)

The initially joyful holiday moment turns chilling when Ben experiences a tragic incident. The family’s beloved chimpanzee is bitten by a wild animal infected with rabies, changing everything in an instant.

As a result of the bite, Ben undergoes a horrifying transformation. From a tame and beloved pet, he turns into a brutal and deadly threat. His behavior becomes extremely aggressive and uncontrollable.

When Adam has to return to work, Lucy and her friends, Kate, Hannah, and Nick decide to throw a pool party at the empty house. Unbeknownst to them, the now ferocious Ben begins to attack them one by one, turning the party into a deadly assault.

3. The Fight for Survival

The Fight for Survival (credit: Paramount Pictures)

The horror escalates as Ben uses his primal instincts to hunt the humans in the house. A beautiful vacation suddenly turns into a struggle for life and death.

Lucy, along with her friends, must muster every effort to find a way to survive the terror of the chimpanzee they once loved. They are trapped in a hopeless situation, far from help. The audience will be invited to feel the gripping fear every second.

4. Meet the Director and Screenwriter Behind PRIMATE

The film PRIMATE comes from the skilled hands of director Johannes Roberts, widely known for his previous tension-filled horror works. He has successfully directed films such as 47 Meters Down (2016) and 47 Meters Down: Uncaged (2019).

In addition, he is not alone in crafting this thrilling storyline. The screenplay for PRIMATE was co-written by him and Ernest Riera, creating a narrative that combines elements of survival horror, creature feature, and classic slasher genres.

5. Production Details and Release Schedule of the Film PRIMATE

Production Details and Release Schedule of the Film PRIMATE (credit: Paramount Pictures)

The film PRIMATE is produced by Walter Hamada, John Hodges, and Bradley Pilz through their production company 18hz Productions. This marks their first collaboration with Paramount Pictures. This horror film had its world premiere at Fantastic Fest in September 2025, receiving early positive responses from critics.

For a wide release, the film PRIMATE is scheduled to hit theaters in the United States on January 9, 2026, distributed by Paramount Pictures. In Indonesia, the film is scheduled for release on January 23, 2026.

6. Complete Cast List of the Film PRIMATE

Complete Cast List of the Film PRIMATE (credit: Paramount Pictures)

The film PRIMATE stars a number of talented actors who bring the characters in this horror story to life. They struggle to survive the terror of the chimpanzee Ben.

• Johnny Sequoyah as Lucy
• Jessica Alexander as Hannah
• Troy Kotsur as Adam
• Victoria Wyant as Kate
• Gia Hunter as Erin
• Benjamin Cheng as Nick
• Miguel Torres Umba as Ben (the chimpanzee)
• Charlie Mann as Drew
• Tienne Simon as Phil
• Kae Alexander as Yoko
• Amina Abdi as 911 dispatcher
• Albert Magashi as Matt

These actors successfully delivered their roles beautifully, adding emotional depth to the tension-filled narrative. Their performances are one of the main strengths of this film.

7. QnA Film PRIMATE 2026

1. When is the film PRIMATE 2026 released theatrically in the United States?

The film PRIMATE is scheduled to be released theatrically in the United States on January 9, 2026. In Indonesia, this film is scheduled to be released on January 23, 2026.

2. Who is the director of the film PRIMATE?

The film PRIMATE is directed by Johannes Roberts, known for his previous horror works such as "47 Meters Down" and "47 Meters Down: Uncaged".

3. What is the Rotten Tomatoes score for the film PRIMATE?

The film PRIMATE received positive feedback from critics with a score of 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, with some sources even mentioning 92%.

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8. Complete Cast List of the Film PRIMAT

The film PRIMAT stars a number of talented actors who successfully bring the characters of this horror story to life. They struggle to survive the terror of the chimpanzee Ben.

• Johnny Sequoyah as Lucy
• Jessica Alexander as Hannah
• Troy Kotsur as Adam
• Victoria Wyant as Kate
• Gia Hunter as Erin
• Benjamin Cheng as Nick
• Miguel Torres Umba as Ben (the chimpanzee)
• Charlie Mann as Drew
• Tienne Simon as Phil
• Kae Alexander as Yoko
• Amina Abdi as 911 dispatcher
• Albert Magashi as Matt

These actors successfully delivered their roles beautifully, adding emotional depth to the tension-filled narrative. Their performances became one of the main strengths of this film.

(kpl/nlw)