Primitive War (2025) is a bold sci-fi action-horror that roars into theaters, delivering a thrilling mashup of Vietnam War grit and dinosaur-fueled chaos. Directed by Luke Sparke and starring Ryan Kwanten, Tricia Helfer, Jeremy Piven, and Nick Wechsler, this indie horror hit Australian cinemas on August 21, 2025, via Rialto Distribution and arrives in US theaters on August 22, 2025, through Fathom Entertainment. In this movie review, we dive into why Primitive War is a must-watch for fans of action-horror, creature features, and genre mashups, blending Platoon’s intensity with Jurassic Park’s primal thrills.
A Savage Mission in a Dinosaur-Infested Jungle
Set in Vietnam, 1968, Primitive War follows Vulture Squad, an elite recon unit led by Sergeant Ryan Baker (Ryan Kwanten), tasked with investigating a missing Green Beret platoon in a remote jungle valley. The mission spirals into terror when they encounter de-extinct dinosaurs—the result of a Soviet experiment gone wrong—including T-rexes, Utahraptors, and other prehistoric predators. As casualties mount, the squad must tap into their savage instincts to survive both the war and the ancient horrors stalking them.
Adapted from Ethan Pettus’s 2017 novel, the film explores themes of survival, human nature, and the chaos of war, weaving a narrative that’s as emotionally gripping as it is viscerally terrifying. The jungle setting and dinosaur threat create a unique action-horror experience that’s both brutal and exhilarating.
Gritty Performances That Anchor the Chaos
Ryan Kwanten delivers a gritty, commanding performance as Sergeant Ryan Baker, embodying a battle-hardened leader whose resolve is tested by monstrous foes. His True Blood-honed intensity grounds the film’s high-concept premise. Tricia Helfer, as a key squad member, brings steely resolve, her Battlestar Galactica gravitas adding depth to the survival stakes. Jeremy Piven shines as General Jericho, his intense, authoritative presence injecting moral complexity into the narrative. Nick Wechsler rounds out the ensemble with a solid performance, though some secondary characters, like those played by Anthony Ingruber and Aaron Glenane, feel underdeveloped due to the film’s focus on action.
The cast’s chemistry and raw performances make Vulture Squad’s desperate fight feel personal, elevating the dinosaur horror beyond mere spectacle.
Stunning Visuals and Immersive Atmosphere
Shot on Queensland’s Gold Coast at Sparke Films studio, Primitive War boasts stunningly immersive visuals. The lush jungles and misty valleys, captured with sweeping cinematography, create a primordial atmosphere that feels alive with danger. The dinosaur effects, a blend of practical and CGI, punch above the indie budget, with T-rexes and Utahraptors delivering terrifying, gory encounters. While not flawless, the effects rival bigger-budget creature features like Jurassic World.
The soundtrack, featuring pounding drums and eerie wails, amplifies the relentless tension, complementing the Vietnam War aesthetic with echoes of Platoon. The film’s pacing, while occasionally uneven in quieter moments, builds to adrenaline-fueled chaos that keeps viewers hooked.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Primitive War excels in its ambitious genre mashup, blending war drama with dinosaur horror to create a fresh, thrilling experience. The Queensland visuals, strong performances, and gory action make it a standout, as noted in reviews praising its B-movie energy and visceral thrills. The film’s indie spirit, with over one million trailer views in 24 hours, underscores its cult appeal.
However, minor pacing hiccups in the second act and underdeveloped secondary characters slightly dilute the narrative depth. Some X posts criticize the source material’s problematic elements, suggesting the film inherits these flaws, though it still delivers on entertainment value. Despite these critiques, the action-horror fusion and visual spectacle make it a compelling watch.
