As movie-goers stormed theaters to see new releases this weekend, those who were fortunate enough to see “Primeval” not only witnessed a horror movie, but a creative attempt to produce a movie with a message.
Set in a remote area along the northwestern shore of Lake Tanganyika and Minago in the war-torn Burundi, Africa, a bloodthirsty “serial killer” has claimed the life of over 300 victims.
And the killer is still at large.
But the major difference between this mass murderer and those from movies such as “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” is this killer is not a human.
Rather, it is a 20-foot, 2,000-pound crocodile.
The danger begins when the characters of reporter Tim Freeman, cameraman Steven Johnson and their team set out on a journey upriver to capture the animal for their television network company.
But it is soon realized that the original journey would take a drastic turn for the worst.
Although the movie did not feature major stars like Brad Pitt or Halle Berry, the cast did a good job of relaying the many messages the film had to offer.
Actors Dominic Purcell, Orlando Jones, Brooke Langton, Jürgen Prochnow and Gideon Emery graced the screen to present a movie that encompassed issues far more important than a killer crocodile.
“Primeval” is a movie that at first glance may be written off as a 2007 version of “Anaconda,” but it actually educates its audience on issues affecting African people.
Issues dealing with genocide, mass murders, governmental corruption, civil wars and nationwide poverty were discussed in detail throughout the movie.
The film openly stated the reason these issues do not make headline news in America is because of the country’s mainstream white audience.
Commericals for the movie said the film is “inspired by the true story of the most prolific serial killer in history.”
Though the notion of a killer crocodile seems a little silly and fake at first, “Primeval” is based on real events.
There are actual written documents, video and pictures that chronicle the life of this monster, “Gustave.”
Burundi villagers in the film are aware of the river’s danger and that a possible crocodile attack was highly predicted on a daily basis, but the people of Burundi have no choice but to continue to bathe, wash clothes, and eat and drink water from the river in which the monster resides.
It is refreshing to see a movie that not only attempts to offer some form of entertainment, but also presents imperative information to its audience in a way that doesn’t make them feel like they are watching a documentary.
Though “Primeval” is rated R for strong graphic violence, brutality, terror and language, the movie is not as bad as one may think.
Though at times there may be scenes of someone being eaten, shot or decapitated, “Primeval” is not as bloody as your typical serial killer like movie.
It is evident that “Primeval” is not a movie that will stand the test of time or maybe even be mentioned in the media after it has run its course in theaters.
However, if you are in the mood for a quick horror flick that even a person with a low tolerance for bloody movies can handle, “Primeval” may be the movie for you.
While watching the movie, allow yourself to actually take in the underlying messages in “Primeval.”
The message supersedes the major plot of a man-eating crocodile.
Perhaps the movie will spark a thought-provoking conversation on the ride home.
Although it is not the best horror movie one can see, it is a solid one that you may not be upset about when you realize that you just spent money on it.
Grade: B-