New 'Primate' image shows two teens living a nightmare as their pet chimp turns violent
The stakes look higher than ever in newly released images from the upcoming horror flick 'Primate.' Slated for a Friday, January 9, 2026, release, the film is directed by Johannes Roberts and stars Johnny Sequoyah and Jessica Alexander in key roles. The movie follows a group of friends whose lives are turned upside down when their adopted chimpanzee contracts rabies and becomes violently aggressive. With its unsettling premise, it's clear that the movie radiates eerie tension, and these new images only make the wait for the release harder than expected.
An exclusive image from ScreenRant's 2026 movie preview of 'Primate' shows two terrified teenagers hiding behind a plastic curtain as chaos unfolds, teasing the film's intense horror. The animal thriller premiered at Fantastic Fest 2025 to strong reviews and a 92% Rotten Tomatoes score. Reviewers have also praised 'Primate' for its throwback take on animal horror, highlighting its gory practical effects, no-frills storytelling, and smart use of a simple premise.
In 'Primate,' director Roberts explores what happens when a "domesticated" chimp reveals why "some animals should never be considered household pets." Roberts told MovieWeb, "I've never watched a film that generates this much audible horror. It belongs on the big screen, where the audience's screams, gasps, and groans become part of the soundtrack."
The star of the movie, Sequoyah, added, "I've never seen a movie like 'Primate' before – it’s genuinely terrifying, at times funny, and totally original. I was so scared watching 'Primate' that I nearly fell out of my seat. I couldn’t believe how scared I was, even watching myself! It’s a roller coaster you can’t get off – and somehow don’t want to. Despite how intense and frightening it is, it’s also incredibly fun."
Sequoyah then emphasised that 'Primate' is "truly made for the big-screen experience—it's one of those films where you might end up holding hands with the stranger next to you and not even care. Audiences go all in: screaming, laughing, shouting, and cheering. It feels like a ride you're on together, collectively holding your breath the entire time." She added, "'Primate' is a reminder of why going to the movies matters. Some films are meant to be experienced communally, where the energy of the crowd becomes part of the film itself—and 'Primate' is one of those. It is a true theatrical experience."
