🦍Primate (2026): Cast, Plot, Release Date & Where to Watch — The Beast Within Turns a Vacation Into a Nightmare

Primate (2026) is a chilling new horror survival thriller from director Johannes Roberts, known for his heart-pounding work in 47 Meters Down and The Strangers: Prey at Night. Starring Johnny Sequoyah, Jessica Alexander, and Troy Kotsur, the film transforms a tropical paradise into a primal nightmare. Set for a January 9, 2026 theatrical release by Paramount Pictures, this is one wild ride horror fans won’t want to miss.

🌴 Welcome to Paradise... or So They Thought

“They thought he was family.”

A group of friends embarks on a dream getaway to a remote island, expecting sun, laughter, and escape from city chaos. But paradise hides a secret older than civilization itself.

When one of the group disappears into the dense jungle, their search uncovers something — or someone — that defies human understanding. The island’s beauty turns deadly as an ancient instinct awakens.

As director Johannes Roberts teases, “It’s not about monsters in the dark — it’s about the monster inside us.”

🔥 The Story — Fear Comes Crawling Back to Nature

What begins as a tropical adventure quickly descends into a primal fight for survival. When night falls, the jungle isn’t silent anymore. The shadows breathe, the trees whisper, and something watches — always one step closer.

Lucy (Johnny Sequoyah) and Hannah (Jessica Alexander) struggle to stay alive as their friends are hunted one by one. Adam (Troy Kotsur), the group’s quiet protector, begins to realize that survival may mean embracing the very instincts they came to escape.

“Civilization ends where fear begins.”

The tension builds to a claustrophobic fever pitch — somewhere between Predator and The Descent, with the twisted psychology of Apocalypse Now.

🎬 Behind the Scenes: The Mind of Johannes Roberts

Director Johannes Roberts, known for his talent in combining human vulnerability with raw terror, co-wrote Primate alongside Ernest Riera. Together, they’ve created a modern survival horror story grounded in emotion and isolation.

The film premiered at Fantastic Fest on September 18, 2025, earning early praise for its atmospheric tension and strong performances — particularly from Johnny Sequoyah, who delivers her most emotionally charged role yet.

🧩 Running Time: 89 minutes

🎥 Genre: Horror / Survival / Thriller

🎭 Language: English

🏝️ Country: United States

🌋 Full Cast

• Johnny Sequoyah as Lucy

• Jessica Alexander as Hannah

• Troy Kotsur as Adam

• Victoria Wyant as Kate

• Gia Hunter as Erin

• Benjamin Cheng as Nick

• Charlie Mann as Drew

• Miguel Torres Umba as Ben

• Kae Alexander and Amina Abdi in supporting roles

🧠 Directed by: Johannes Roberts

✍️ Written by: Johannes Roberts & Ernest Riera

🎞️ Produced by: Walter Hamada, John Hodges, Bradley Pilz

📷 Cinematography: Stephen Murphy

🎬 Production Company: 18hz Productions

🎟️ Distributor: Paramount Pictures

👁️ Early Reception — Critics Call It a “Visceral Triumph”

At Fantastic Fest 2025, Primate was hailed as a “visceral, nerve-shredding descent into madness.” Critics praised Roberts’ use of sound and minimal lighting to build dread rather than rely on jump scares.

“It’s Lord of the Flies meets The Blair Witch Project,” wrote one early reviewer.

⭐ Early IMDb Rating (after premiere): 7.8/10

🗓️ Release Details

• Film Title: Primate (2026)

• Release Date: January 9, 2026 (United States)

• Distributor: Paramount Pictures

• Premiere: Fantastic Fest (September 18, 2025)

• Runtime: 89 minutes

• Rating: R (for strong violence, disturbing imagery, and language)

• Availability: Theatrical release only

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is Primate (2026) about?

A1. Primate follows a group of friends on a tropical vacation encounter a terrifying force in the jungle that pushes them to their primal limits of survival.

Q2. Who directed Primate?

A2. The movie is directed by Johannes Roberts, known for 47 Meters Down and Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City.

Q3. Who stars in Primate?

A3. The film stars Johnny Sequoyah, Jessica Alexander, and Troy Kotsur, with supporting performances from Victoria Wyant and Gia Hunter.

Q4. When will Primate release?

A4. Primate will hit theaters on January 9, 2026, distributed by Paramount Pictures.

Q5. Where was Primate filmed?

A5. While the exact locations are under wraps, filming took place in tropical environments to heighten authenticity and realism.

Q6. What genre is Primate?

A6. It’s a survival horror thriller, blending jungle terror with psychological suspense.

🌑 Final Verdict — The Wild Fights Back

Primate isn’t just about what lurks in the dark — it’s about what happens when humans lose control of the light within. With raw performances and primal fear, Johannes Roberts reminds us that survival has a price… and nature always collects.

“They thought they were alone. They were wrong.”

When Primate hits theaters this January 9, 2026, brace yourself — because this time, evolution bites back. 🦍💀