One of the joys of streaming is discovering a movie that flew under the radar in theaters but finds its audience online. That's exactly what's happening with Primate, a 2024 horror film that initially disappointed at the box office but has now surged to the top of Paramount+'s streaming charts in 2025. Directed by Johannes Roberts (47 Meters Down), this creature feature turns a simple premise into a tense, visceral ride that's winning over viewers.
The story unfolds in a picturesque Hawaiian home, where novelist Adam Pinborough (Troy Kotsur) lives with his daughters Lucy (Johnny Sequoyah) and Erin (Gia Hunter). Their family includes Ben, a chimpanzee who communicates through sign language and an electronic soundboard—a skill taught by the girls' late mother, a linguistics professor. When Lucy returns from college and throws a party while their father is away, things take a dark turn. Ben is bitten by a rabid animal, transforming the once-gentle chimp into a relentless predator that traps the partygoers inside their own home.
What sets Primate apart is its efficient storytelling. With a runtime under 90 minutes, the film wastes no time building tension. The stakes escalate quickly as partygoers meet brutal ends, but the pacing never feels rushed. Instead, it creates a palpable sense of dread as the characters scramble to outsmart a creature that's stronger, faster, and smarter than they are. It's a throwback to classic horror, reminiscent of Stephen King's Cujo and John Carpenter's The Thing, with an isolated setting and a synth-driven score that amplifies the unease.
The film's practical effects are a standout. Instead of relying on CGI, director Roberts used a performer in a suit (Miguel Torres Umba) with puppeteer-controlled facial expressions. This tactile approach makes Ben feel terrifyingly real, adding to the horror. As with recent hits like Alien: Romulus, there's something more chilling about knowing the actors are interacting with a physical presence. For fans of retro horror, Primate delivers exactly what it promises: a pulpy, chaotic, and fun ride that doesn't overcomplicate things.
If you're looking for a quick, effective scare, Primate is worth adding to your queue. It's a testament to how a simple concept, executed well, can become a sleeper hit. For more on horror's enduring appeal, check out Why These 10 Classic Horror Movies Are Still Terrifying Today. And if you're in the mood for more streaming surprises, Peter Capaldi's 'Criminal Record' Season 2 is another sleeper hit worth your time.
