Primeval

Critics Consensus

Primeval is a low-quality horror film, which due to the inane political messages does not even qualify as campy fun.

18%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 55

32%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 64,233

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Movie Info

An American news crew travels to one of the most remote locations on the planet in hopes of capturing the savage serial killer rumored to have claimed over 300 lives in this white-knuckle horror-thriller starring Dominic Purcell and Orlando Jones, and based on actual events. As the intrepid documentarians cautiously make their way upriver, they soon find that the brutality inflicted on man by his own kind pales in comparison to the relentless viciousness of mother nature's most resilient predator. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Cast

Dominic Purcell
as Tim Manfrey
Brooke Langton
as Aviva Masters
Orlando Jones
as Steven Johnson
Jürgen Prochnow
as Jacob Krieg
Gideon Emery
as Matthew Collilns
Gabriel Malema
as Jojo
Linda Mpondo
as Gold Tooth
Lehlohonolo Makoko
as Beanpole
Dumisani Mbebe
as Harry
Eddy "Big Eddy" Bekombo
as Ato
Chris April
as Captain
Ernest Ddlovu
as Shaman
Ernest Ndlovu
as Shaman
Ernest Ndhlovu
as Shaman
Erica Wessels
as Dr. Cathy Andrews
Vivian Moodley
as Indian UN Officer
Lika Van Den Bergh
as Rachel
Patrick Lyster
as Roger Sharpe
Andrew Whaley
as Senator Porter
Jacqui Pickering
as BBC Newscaster
Kevin Otto
as UBN Newscaster
Sonia Mbele
as Ona
Mathias Tabotmbi
as Villager
Kgmotoso Motlosi
as Shaman's Son
Thandi Nugbani
as Shaman's Wife
Michael Mabizela
as Laborer
Thomas Kariuki
as Fisherman No. 1
Azeez Danmola
as Fisherman No. 2
Pamphile Nicaye
as Burundi Drummer
Emmanuel Nkeshiman
as Burundi Drummer
Pierre Calver Nsabimana
as Burundi Drummer
Henry Jeane
as Burundi Drummer
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Critic Reviews for Primeval

All Critics (55) | Top Critics (15)

  • The sub-sub-Anaconda bottom-feeder Primeval makes the mistake of taking itself far too seriously; with its exploitative images of civil war and genocide, it's the Blood Diamond of 25-foot-killer-crocodile movies.

    Jan 17, 2007 | Rating: D+

    Scott Tobias

    AV Club
    Top Critic

  • Essentially Jaws moved to Africa.

    Jan 16, 2007 | Full Review…

    Andrea Gronvall

    Chicago Reader
    Top Critic

  • For some insane reason, the makers of Primeval attempted to create a film that blends Anaconda with Hotel Rwanda, and they failed miserably.

    Jan 16, 2007 | Rating: 1/4 | Full Review…

    Peter Hartlaub

    San Francisco Chronicle
    Top Critic

  • Can't a killer-crocodile movie just be a killer-crocodile movie?

    Jan 13, 2007 | Rating: 1.5/4

    Jason Anderson

    Globe and Mail
    Top Critic

  • Primeval is one of several recent movies to bill itself as 'inspired by true events.' So was this review, though in both cases 'inspired' may be too strong a word.

    Jan 13, 2007 | Rating: 2/5

    A.O. Scott

    New York Times
    Top Critic

  • How capturing an animal found in every zoo constitutes a scoop is beyond me, but when you expect the trio to be knee-deep in blood they are instead wading through politics.

    Jan 13, 2007 | Rating: 1.5/4

    Kyle Smith

    New York Post
    Top Critic
View All Critic Reviews (55)

Audience Reviews for Primeval

  • Dec 17, 2009
    I didnt know it was inspired by the true story of prolific serial killer before watching it. Just trusted my friends review and I was not tiny bit of dissapointed
    Wahida K Super Reviewer
  • Aug 15, 2009
    Only saw this movie once and it instantly became a favorite. I like that it's inspired by true events, and that it's very exciting and suspenseful, but what I REALLY like about it is that not only is there a monster in the form a gigantic croc they're after, but the more they delve into the jungle, they perhaps find an even greater danger in the form of a civil war among their part of the country. The croc and the war among people presents double the punch and excitement, instead of just choosing to be a Lake Placid ripoff.
    Jason O Super Reviewer
  • Apr 07, 2009
    Fairly successful big croc movie. It follows generic plotlines via generic chracters, but has enough charm to pull it off. Orlando Jones is a great casting choice. His wit elevates the film somewhat, with lines like "This crocs like OJ Simpson. His biggest mistake was killing a white woman". The films biggest fault is setting it's sights too high as it becomes half big croc movie, half social commentary on the political climate in impoverished African countries. These two ideas don't go together that well. Blood Diamond and Lake Placid? Exactly. Lots to enjoy and a decent CGI crocodilian.
    Luke B Super Reviewer
  • Apr 02, 2009
    I was mad at Orlando Jones in this movie. You're in a horror movie! You're the ONLY black guy in the group! RUN!!!
    Remi L Super Reviewer
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