January has quietly become Hollywood’s proving ground for confident, conversation-starting thrillers—and in 2026, that tradition sharpens its teeth with Primate, a nerve-rattling natural horror from Paramount Pictures set to roar into theaters on Friday, January 9, 2026. Equal parts suspenseful, stylish, and startlingly human, Primate arrives with festival heat, buzzy early praise, and the kind of premise that grabs you by the collar and refuses to let go.

Directed by genre specialist Johannes Roberts (47 Meters Down), Primate flips the familiar “nature-run-amok” trope into something leaner and meaner. The story centers on Lucy (played by Johnny Sequoyah), a college student returning home to reconnect with family—and their beloved pet chimpanzee, Ben. When a party goes wrong and Ben contracts rabies, affection mutates into terror, forcing Lucy and her friends into a claustrophobic fight for survival. Think primal fear, heightened tension, and the relentless pace that keeps audiences gripping their armrests.

Adding emotional gravity to the carnage is Oscar winner Troy Kotsur (CODA), whose presence grounds the mayhem with humanity and heart. The supporting cast, including Jessica Alexander, rounds out a group dynamic that feels lived-in—so when things turn feral, the stakes feel personal.

Behind the scenes, producer Walter Hamada brings his blockbuster instincts to a refreshingly practical approach. Instead of leaning on wall-to-wall CGI, Primate favors tactile, in-camera effects crafted by Millennium FX and performed by movement specialist Miguel Torres Umba. The result? A visceral realism that critics say amplifies both the fear and the film’s credibility.

The buzz began at Fantastic Fest in late 2025, where Primate made its world premiere and quickly earned a reputation as a “lean and mean” crowd-pleaser. Early reviews praised its disciplined runtime, muscular set pieces, and unapologetic gore—helping it land an impressive 92% early Rotten Tomatoes score and positioning it as a must-see for horror fans craving craft as much as chills.

Paramount’s confidence in Primate is underscored by a savvy release shuffle that moved Edgar Wright’s The Running Man back a week to maximize premium screens—clearing the runway for this sleek scare to make its mark. For Houston moviegoers who appreciate smart thrills, strong performances, and a cinematic experience best enjoyed on the big screen, Primate promises a January jolt that’s anything but sleepy.

Bottom line: Primate isn’t just another creature feature—it’s a tightly wound survival tale with bite, brains, and bold filmmaking choices. Mark your calendar, gather your bravest friends, and prepare to meet the wild side of winter movie season—Houston style.

See PRIMATE trailer: