Just when you thought horror had shown it all, director Johannes Roberts delivers something truly primal.
His latest film, Primate, takes terror to new—and hairy—heights, following a group of teens whose seemingly sweet pet chimpanzee, Ben, suddenly turns from cuddly to killer. But what really makes PRIMATE stand out isn’t just the gore or suspense—it’s how real it all feels. And that’s thanks to a decision most modern filmmakers would shy away from: using practical effects over CGI.
No Green Screens, Just Grit
Forget pixels. From the very beginning, Roberts knew that Primate needed to be rooted in something tangible.
“A movie like this requires a feeling of immediacy,” he says. “We decided to go with practical effects to create a more visceral experience both for the audience and the actors. But the actors had to interact closely with Ben. A real chimp would be a real threat.”
And build him they did—with terrifying detail.
To bring the chimpanzee to life, Roberts enlisted the help of Millennium FX, one of the most respected practical effects studios in the world. Known for their work in films and TV like Doctor Who and The Wolfman, their team was tasked with crafting a chimp so lifelike, it would blur the line between man and monster.
Meet Ben: A Chimp Made by Hand (and Heart)
Enter Miguel Torres Umba, an actor and movement specialist who physically embodied Ben by wearing a custom-built chimpanzee suit. But this wasn’t any ordinary costume. It was a full-body, animatronic-enhanced suit designed to capture everything from subtle expressions to full-blown fury.
“Johannes is a great horror director,” says Gorton. “He understands that the more tangible and in the moment something is, the more powerful it is. Our job was to make Ben seem real, make Ben practical and make Ben sympathetic, but at the same time dangerous. It’s a hugely physical performance so we needed to strike a balance between allowing the actor’s freedom and making it feel real enough to pass muster on the screen.”
From sketch to screen, the chimp suit went through a whirlwind five-week build before the first camera test. The initial prototype? “Held together with string and sticky tape,” Gorton laughs. But even then, the potential was undeniable.
50 Artists. 1 Suit. Infinite Nightmares.
Creating Ben required more than just a costume. It took a team of over 50 artists and technicians, each working tirelessly to ensure every aspect was just right—down to the last strand of fur.
The fur itself? Hand-dyed yak hair, carefully punched into mesh by hand, styled and steamed daily. According to co-director Kate Walshe, maintaining Ben’s appearance was like running a “monkey hair salon” on set every morning.
The suit came with multiple heads—each one engineered for a specific use. One could move its mouth, lips, and nostrils with the help of puppeteers. Another was built for intense attack scenes, featuring an exaggerated open mouth full of razor-like teeth. There was even a scaled-down puppet version for tight shots and a non-robotic “stunt head” to keep performers safe during action scenes.
From Family Pet to Frightening Predator
For Torres Umba, playing Ben was more than physical—it was emotional. As an actor, he had to embody a character that audiences would first see as a beloved companion, only to watch that connection twist into something violent and horrifying.
I was impressed by how visual and evocative it was. The story evolves into a fascinating journey. We connect with Ben as part of the family and then watch in disbelief seeing a loved one transform into a ruthless monster. But they love him and he loves them back, so there’s always the hope he might be okay. That creates a sense of hope that punches you in the face when the violence spins out of control.”
This emotional arc, combined with practical effects, results in a character that feels painfully real. Ben isn’t just a monster—he’s a reflection of the fragile bond between humans and nature, and how easily it can snap.
Why Practical Effects Still Matter
In a world dominated by CGI creatures, Primate makes a powerful case for the return of old-school filmmaking. With real-world textures, live puppeteering, and actor-driven movement, the horror hits different—because it looks and feels real.
And that realism pays off. From subtle facial movements to sudden outbursts of violence, Ben’s presence is chillingly authentic. You’re not watching pixels on a screen—you’re staring into the eyes of something that might, just might, be alive.
Ready to Meet Ben?
Whether you’re a horror fan, a special effects enthusiast, or someone who simply appreciates boundary-pushing filmmaking, Primate delivers a thrilling, unforgettable ride.
Terrifying. Tragic. Tangible.
Ben isn’t your typical movie monster—and that’s exactly what makes him unforgettable.
Primate is now showing exclusively in cinemas. Distributed locally by Paramount Pictures Philippines #PrimateMovie #BenIsReal #NowInCinemas
Photo and Video Credit: “Paramount Pictures International”
