A Tribute to the Unsung Heroes of Cinema: Primate

Growing up in the digital era, I relish the sight of impressive visual effects. The surge of innovation in this field has excited me, paving the way for exceptional creativity. Yet I hold a particular reverence for traditional practical effects skillfully utilized in current films - an aspect which prompted me to review Johannes Roberts' "Primate" with 3.5 stars rather than merely 3.

"Primate", criticised by some for lacking artistic aspirations, centers around three girls - Lucy, Kate, and Hannah, played by Johnny Sequoyah, Victoria Wyant, and Jessica Alexander respectively. Their joyous, carefree Hawaii trip takes a grim turn when a pet chimpanzee named Ben, owned by Lucy's family, contracts rabies, triggering a violent spree.

Categorically a B-movie, "Primate", thrives on the wilderness transformed into chaos, showcasing a wonderfully gruesome display of practical special effects. The screenwriters, Johannes Roberts and Ernest Riera, questioned in depths "the most gory ways a chimpanzee can kill a person” and turned their hideous findings into an ephemeral, almost dazzling spectacle.

In "Primate", the main source of terror, a man-dressed as a chimpanzee, may not resemble a real one entirely, but its physicality and tangibility outdo the modern Planet of the Apes' strive for realism. Although the viewers know that they’re seeing an actor dressed up, recognizing the craftsmanship that went into the costume creates a unique viewing experience.

The movie is a much-needed deviation from the modern trend of solely relying on digital expanse, offering something tangible and messy to the audience. While "Primate" may not be the criterion for artistic cinema, its brilliance lies in its rudimentary approach, invoking nostalgia for simpler times. Consequently, it’s memorable, outliving most early-year horror films and standing as a nostalgic testament to practical sensibilities.