Primate

Johannes Roberts' Primate (2026) is a gloriously grisly throwback that proves you don't need to be a die-hard horror fan to enjoy a well-executed creature feature. Even for those who usually steer clear of the genre, the film offers an undeniably fun, edge-of-your-seat experience that thrives on the communal energy of a theater—where the audience's collective gasps at the "must-be-seen-to-be-believed" kills quickly turn into shared laughter. While the human characters frequently fall into the classic trap of making spectacularly "stupid" decisions that will have you shouting at the screen, the movie is anchored by an incredible physical performance from the "monkey lead," Ben, whose savage rampage feels terrifyingly real. It doesn't aim to break the mold or offer deep subtext; instead, it leans fully into its old-school animal horror roots, delivering a tight, high-stakes ride that is as much of a "splendid surprise" as the mystery screening that introduced it.