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Horror film

Primate (2026): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Ending

Primate (2026) movie poster

Primate is a 2026 horror film directed by Johannes Roberts, starring Charles Mann as Drew, Ben Pronsky and Kevin McNally. It runs 1 hour 29 minutes and earned $39.1 million worldwide on a $21 million budget. Critics gave it 58 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.8/10.

IMDb rating
5.8/10
worldwide gross
$39.1M
Echo Score
57
Metascore
58
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Primate (2026) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 29m (89 min)
Director
Johannes Roberts
Genre
Horror
Original language
English
Budget
$21M
After the credits
Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
The story

What Is Primate About?

The premise of Primate without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

A group of friends’ tropical vacation turns into a terrifying, primal tale horror and survival.

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Cast & crew

Primate Cast & Characters

Charles Mann leads the cast as Drew, with Ben Pronsky as Ben and Kevin McNally. Directed by Johannes Roberts; 16 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Johannes Roberts

More films directed by Johannes Roberts, best-rated first: V/H/S/99, 47 Meters Down, 47 Meters Down: Uncaged and Storage 24.

Full filmography
Ratings

Primate Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Primate 58 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 57/100, strongest in art & craft (78) and weakest in character & emotion (38).

57 /100

Primate Echo Score Breakdown

Primate delivers a mixed experience that leans toward modest enjoyment despite notable shortcomings. Critics and viewers acknowledge the film's effective gore, animatronic chimp, and occasional visual flair, yet they repeatedly cite weak narrative structure and underdeveloped characters. The movie succeeds as a transient, chaotic horror piece but fails to achieve lasting impact or broad appeal. Overall, its strengths are offset by structural flaws, resulting in an average reception.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 78

    In terms of art and craft, Primate shows solid direction and striking visual elements. Reviewers commend the director's use of imagery to build suspense and praise the convincing animatronic chimp and practical gore effects. However, some note occasional blandness and a lack of freshness in execution. The overall craftsmanship is competent, providing a visually engaging but not groundbreaking experience.

  • Character & Emotion 38

    Character and emotional depth are the film's weakest area. Critics point out interchangeable, unlikable characters and a lack of meaningful development, while users echo frustrations with dumb choices and shallow archetypes. The chimp antagonist offers a noteworthy presence, yet the human cast fails to generate empathy or relevance. Consequently, the character work undermines audience connection.

  • Story & Flow 42

    Story and flow suffer from structural inconsistencies and predictable pacing. Reviewers highlight technical plot holes, a generic slasher trajectory, and lost tension between kills. Some praise brief moments of efficient, blood-soaked mayhem, but overall the narrative feels lazy and uninspired. The lack of originality limits engagement, resulting in a mediocre storytelling foundation.

  • Sensory Experience 71

    The sensory experience stands out as a relative strength. Critics and users repeatedly mention effective gore, visceral kill sequences, and a compelling visual style anchored by the realistic chimp design. While sound design receives little commentary, the film's overall sensory aggression maintains tension and delivers a satisfying horror atmosphere. This makes the viewing experience compelling on a visceral level.

  • Rewatch Factor 57

    Rewatch potential is moderate, balancing fleeting fun with limited lasting appeal. Some reviewers find the chaotic, blood‑rich spectacle entertaining enough for repeat viewings, yet many acknowledge that the generic plot and shallow characters diminish long‑term interest. The film offers short‑term enjoyment but lacks the depth or novelty required for high replay value.

Plot

Primate Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in Primate from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In a remote part of Hawaii, a veterinarian named Doug Lambert enters an outdoor animal enclosure and is killed by a chimpanzee, an incident that ends with the animal tearing off his face and leaves the survivors reeling. 36 hours earlier, Lucy Pinborough returns to her island home after years away, traveling with longtime friends Kate and Nick, only to be surprised when Kate invites an additional guest, Hannah, without warning. During the flight, they meet Drew Charles Mann and Brad, two college friends eager to enjoy a Hawaiian party vibe.

Full summary

The whole story of Primate, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Box office

Primate Box Office & Budget

Primate grossed $39.1 million worldwide on a $21 million budget, 1.9 times what it cost. $25.6 million came from the US and Canada and $13.4 million (34%) from the rest of the world.

2026 box office

Worldwide gross

$39.1M

1.9× its budget

US & Canada
$25.6M
International
$13.4M
Budget
$21M
US & Canada 66% Rest of the world 34%
Videos

Primate Trailers & Videos

11 videos: 2 trailers, 5 teasers, 1 clip and 3 featurettes.

All 11 videos
Official Trailer
  • Trailer Primate (2026) Official Trailer [4K-UHD]
  • Teaser 911 Call
  • Teaser Mess Review
  • Teaser Fear
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Primate?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What type of primate is Ben?

Details

Primate Also Known As

17 alternative titles, including “Osaru Ben” and “Curious Ben”.

Also known as
  • Osaru Ben
  • Curious Ben
  • Linh Trưởng
  • ลิงคลั่งพันธุ์ดิบ
  • 프라이메이트
  • O Primata
  • おさるのベン
  • קוף הדם
  • Примат
  • Ben: Primitivna prijetnja
  • 猩疯血雨
  • Ben - Rabbia animale
+5 more
  • Ősi ösztön
  • Szympans, პრიმატი
  • Instinct primal
  • 猩瘋血雨
  • Primāts

Seen Primate?

FAQ

Primate FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Primate, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Primate?

Primate runs 1 hour 29 minutes (89 minutes).

When was Primate released?

Primate was released on January 9, 2026.

Who directed Primate?

Primate was directed by Johannes Roberts.

More films by Johannes Roberts

Who is in the cast of Primate?

Primate stars Charles Mann as Drew, Ben Pronsky as Ben and Kevin McNally, among 16 credited actors.

How much did Primate make at the box office?

Primate grossed $39.1 million worldwide ($25.6 million domestic, $13.4 million international) on a budget of $21 million.

How is Primate rated?

Primate has 5.8/10 on IMDb and 58 on Metacritic.

Does Primate have a post-credit scene?

Yes. Primate has an extra scene during or after the credits, so it is worth staying seated.

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