Face Ripped Off in Seconds: New Horror Film “Primate” Draws Criticism for Exploitation and Unrealistic Depiction of Chimpanzee Behavior
A shocking opening scene sets the tone for Johannes Roberts’ new horror film, “Primate”: a man in a Hawaiian shirt is brutally attacked by a chimpanzee, losing his face in a matter of seconds. While the film attempts to attribute the violence to rabies, critics suggest a more cynical motivation – a desire to outdo the simian horror of Jordan Peele’s “Nope” (2022) with a more graphic display.
“Primate” quickly introduces a cast of familiar horror tropes: the stereotypical stoner, the responsible one, the doomed “final girl,” and her younger sibling. However, the film’s most prominent performance comes from Oscar-winner Troy Kotsur, who plays an author with questionable taste in literature (“A Silent Death” being one example) and a disturbingly casual attitude towards keeping a chimpanzee as a pet, even dressing it in clothing.
Many viewers and critics alike feel Kotsur’s talent is wasted on this project. The narrative descends into a predictable “trapped with a killer animal” scenario, set against a visually unconvincing backdrop of Oahu. Despite attempts to evoke a Hawaiian atmosphere with props and signage, the film was reportedly not shot on location, further contributing to its artificial feel.
The Problematic Portrayal of Chimpanzees in Horror
The central threat, a chimpanzee named Ben, is rendered through unconvincing practical effects – either a suit or animatronics – which, ironically, may be to the film’s benefit. “Primate” isn’t aiming for a realistic depiction of a wild animal driven to violence; instead, it exploits the image of a domesticated, even humanized, chimpanzee, reminiscent of the famous Koko, the gorilla who learned sign language. This exploitation raises ethical concerns, particularly given the intelligence and sensitivity of primates.
The horror genre often pushes boundaries, as evidenced by recent adaptations like those based on “Winnie the Pooh.” However, “Primate” crosses a line for many, with its excessive gore – scenes of faces being ripped off and consumed are particularly disturbing. While some genre fans may appreciate the shock value, the film’s reliance on graphic violence feels gratuitous and exploitative.
Despite its flaws, Roberts demonstrates technical competence, and a scene where the chimpanzee utilizes a key fob to trap a victim stands out as a moment of dark ingenuity. However, these fleeting moments are overshadowed by the film’s overall lack of substance and its reliance on tired tropes.
Comparisons have been drawn to Richard Franklin’s 1986 thriller, “Link,” which featured a similar premise with a single teenage protagonist. While “Link” wasn’t a masterpiece, many find it a more palatable experience than “Primate.”
The film’s attempts to explore the chimpanzee’s internal struggle feel hollow and manipulative. The filmmakers appear more interested in setting up the next gruesome attack than in genuinely portraying the animal’s potential suffering. The delayed reveal of the rabies diagnosis and the absurdly late suggestion that a swimming pool offers protection further highlight the film’s illogical narrative.
The characters’ consistently poor decision-making is baffling. One character even prioritizes a slice of pizza over noticing the obvious danger lurking behind them. Had anyone acted rationally and contacted authorities, the film could have concluded within the first eleven minutes.
A more fitting title than “Primate” might have been “The Chimpening” or “Furious George,” reflecting the film’s sensationalistic and exploitative nature.
One Star (out of four)
Do filmmakers have a responsibility to portray animals ethically, even within the context of a horror film? And, given the film’s reliance on shock value, does “Primate” ultimately succeed as a genuinely frightening experience, or does it simply fall into the realm of bad taste?
Frequently Asked Questions About “Primate”
A: No, “Primate” is a fictional horror film. While the film uses rabies as a plot device, it is not based on any specific real-life event.
A: Critics generally agree that Kotsur, despite his talent, is underserved by the film’s weak script and exploitative premise.
A: The chimpanzee is portrayed through a combination of practical effects, including a suit and animatronics, and is not a real animal.
A: Unlike classic animal horror films that focus on the natural instincts of a creature, “Primate” relies heavily on graphic violence and exploitation, lacking the suspense and character development of its predecessors.
A: The overwhelming consensus is that “Primate” is a poorly executed and exploitative horror film that fails to deliver genuine scares or meaningful commentary.
Disclaimer: This review contains depictions of graphic violence that may not be suitable for all viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.
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