ReelTalk 01/19/2026 reviewing PRIMATE

Ever so often, a genre film comes along that knows exactly what it is—and more importantly, what it is not trying to be. Primate is not interested in prestige horror, elevated allegory, or winking irony. It is an unapologetic “when nature attacks” movie, and refreshingly, it commits to that premise with confidence, craft, and conviction.

To my surprise, I liked Primate quite a lot. It delivers spine-tingling chills, nightmare-fueled thrills, and a steady sense of dread that never collapses into camp or self-parody. The pacing is solid, the set-pieces are effective, and—perhaps most importantly—we actually find ourselves rooting for these characters to survive. In a genre where human beings often exist merely to be dispatched, that matters.

Are there a few paper-thin characters? Yes. But most are developed just enough to create investment, tension, and consequence. Primate may not operate on the same psychological or thematic level as something like Cujo, but it is very much in that ballpark—lean, mean, and built around the primal terror of losing control when nature decides to push back.

On this episode, we’re talking about what Primate does right, why “when nature attacks” movies still work, and what this film suggests about the enduring power of straightforward genre storytelling.

Joining me for this episode's discussion is returning guest, friend of the show, and fellow film critic Sean Boelman.