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Primate: Chimp's Rampage in Hawaii Sparks Controversy

1/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Primate, directed by Johannes Roberts, follows a family in a Hawaii luxury house that adopts Ben, a chimpanzee once cared for by a deceased linguistics expert.
Ben becomes rabid after being bitten, triggering a violent rampage.
The film features graphic gore that critics say undermines tension and earns an R rating.
Critics note isolation and silence build suspense, while the violence is offensive.
Primate is currently in theaters.

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Story summary

Primate, directed by Johannes Roberts, follows a family in a Hawaii luxury house that adopts Ben, a chimpanzee once cared for by a deceased linguistics expert.
Ben becomes rabid after being bitten, triggering a violent rampage.
The film features graphic gore that critics say undermines tension and earns an R rating.
Critics note isolation and silence build suspense, while the violence is offensive.
Primate is currently in theaters.