Honestly, if you walked into the theater expecting another grand, philosophical epic like the Caesar trilogy, you probably walked out feeling a little rattled. Or maybe just grossed out. The new movie about monkeys—officially titled Primate—is a complete 180 from the "apes together strong" vibe we've lived with for the last decade. It’s not a sci-fi war. It’s a slasher.
And it's a mean one.
Directed by Johannes Roberts, the guy who gave us 47 Meters Down, this film basically asks: "What if Cujo was a chimpanzee with a keypad?" It landed in theaters on January 9, 2026, and the internet is already losing its mind over the practical effects. While everyone was busy looking for news on the next Planet of the Apes installment (which, by the way, isn't coming until 2027), this mid-budget horror flick snuck up and reminded us that chimps are actually terrifying.
Ben Isn't Your Friend
The story follows a college student and her friends visiting a secluded, high-priced mansion in Hawaii. Living there is Ben, a captive chimp who wears shirts, knows sign language, and seems like a beloved family member. Until he gets bitten by something.
Then things go south. Fast.
💡 You might also like: Why This Is How We Roll FGL Is Still The Song That Defines Modern Country
What makes this new movie about monkeys stand out is how it handles the "monster." In an era where every primate on screen is a digital creation from Weta FX, Roberts went old-school. Ben is a mix of prosthetic makeup and suit performers. When he starts tearing jaws from skulls—yeah, it gets that graphic—you can feel the physical weight of it. There’s a scene involving a swimming pool that I’m pretty sure is going to become a cult classic for how uncomfortable it makes you feel.
The cast is led by Oscar-winner Troy Kotsur (CODA), who plays the chimp’s owner. His performance adds a layer of genuine tragedy. He treats Ben like a son, even as the "son" is systematically hunting down everyone in the house. Kotsur is deaf, and the film uses sign language as a central tension-building mechanic. Imagine trying to communicate "don't make a sound" to someone while a 150-pound ball of muscle and teeth is lurking in the rafters. It’s stressful.
Why Everyone Is Confused About the Apes Timeline
There’s been a lot of chatter online mixing up Primate with the blockbuster franchise. Let’s clear that up. 20th Century Studios president Steve Asbell confirmed that the sequel to Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is currently in development but is aiming for a 2027 release window.
So, if you’re looking for Noa and the continuation of the Caesar legacy, you’re going to be waiting a while.
📖 Related: The Real Story Behind I Can Do Bad All by Myself: From Stage to Screen
Primate is a standalone victory. It’s not trying to build a cinematic universe. It’s just trying to scare the pants off you in 89 minutes. It’s also the first big win for Walter Hamada’s new production deal with Paramount. After he left DC, he shifted focus to these mid-budget, "pure" horror films, and Primate is a hell of a start.
What This Means for Primate Movies in 2026
We’re in a weird, great pocket for monkey movies right now. Last year, we had Osgood Perkins’ The Monkey, based on the Stephen King story. That one was more of a snarky, supernatural comedy-horror about a cursed toy. Primate is the gritty, realistic cousin.
People are calling it "Big, Dumb, and Gory," and they aren't wrong. But it’s also smart in how it uses the audience's natural empathy for animals against them. You want Ben to be okay. You want him to be the "good boy" the family thinks he is. But once that rabies-like infection takes hold, the movie stops being about animal rights and starts being about surviving a slasher.
Real-World Primate Horror vs. Hollywood
A lot of the "scare factor" here comes from real-life fears. Most of us remember the Travis the Chimp story from years ago. Primate taps into that primal (pun intended) realization that wild animals, no matter how many shirts they wear or signs they know, are still wild.
👉 See also: Love Island UK Who Is Still Together: The Reality of Romance After the Villa
The movie doesn't waste time on complex plotting. It’s a "trapped in a house" scenario. It’s lean. It’s mean. And honestly, it’s refreshing.
Actionable Insights for Movie Fans:
- Check the Rating: This isn't a family film. It’s rated R for a reason, specifically for some of the most intense "face-ripping" practical effects seen in years.
- Watch for the "Raw Cut": Paramount has hinted at a home release that shows the raw motion-capture and suit-performance footage. If you're a fan of how movies are made, keep an eye out for that in mid-2026.
- Don't Wait for a Sequel: Johannes Roberts has stated he wants this to be a "one and done." Enjoy the self-contained story without worrying about ten spin-offs.
- Keep 2027 on Your Radar: If you need your fix of intelligent, talking apes, the Kingdom sequel will likely start production later this year for its 2027 debut.
If you’re heading to the theater this weekend, just know what you’re getting into. This new movie about monkeys isn't about the evolution of a species or the fall of man. It’s about a very angry chimp in a very small house, and it is absolutely relentless.