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Primal

Primal 2019

Directed by

Nick Powell

Nick Powell

Made by

Lionsgate

Lionsgate

Test your knowledge of Primal with our quiz!

Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Primal (2019). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.


Frank Walsh, portrayed by Nicolas Cage, is a seasoned big-game hunter for zoos who embarks on a perilous journey across the ocean aboard a ship. This ship is not just any vessel, as it carries a notorious criminal, Richard Loffler, played by Kevin Durand, who has been apprehended by the FBI for heinous crimes, including the murder of a U.S. Senator. Frank has recently captured a rare white jaguar, a creature the local populace deems an evil spirit worthy of human sacrifices to protect their village.

As Frank prepares to transport his valuable catch to the United States, he encounters complications due to Loffler and his own ambitions. Dr. Ellen Taylor, a dedicated neurologist played by Famke Janssen, accompanies Loffler to monitor his precarious mental condition, knowing that atmospheric pressure changes could prove fatal for him. During a conversation in the ship’s cafeteria, Ellen urges Frank to relinquish the jaguar to the endangered species bureau instead of auctioning it off for a million dollars.

The situation spirals out of control when Loffler cunningly fakes a seizure, kills his guards, and escapes. Tasked with recapturing him is John Ringer, portrayed by LaMonica Garrett, leading a team of FBI agents. In the chaos, Richard frees some of Frank’s captured animals, including dangerous monkeys, which wreak havoc as they attack the ship’s crew. Loffler uses a radio stolen from the guards to taunt Frank, revealing shared military backgrounds and lamenting how the military turned him into an assassin before casting him aside.

As Richard unleashes further mayhem, even stopping the water pumps and letting venomous snakes loose, he seizes control of the ship’s command. In a dramatic turn, he eliminates Ringer and most of his FBI team, escalating the conflict. Frank, desperate to retrieve the jaguar—a unique opportunity he can’t afford to lose—refuses to abandon ship. Tensions rise when Paul Freed, played by Michael Imperioli, is revealed to be an insider aiding Loffler, providing crucial intelligence for the criminal.

With the ship’s engines disabled to prevent Loffler’s escape to the Caribbean, Richard cleverly impersonates Ringer to call the Coast Guard for assistance. In a climactic confrontation, Frank discovers Loffler now holds Ellen hostage, leading to a showdown, where Paul’s betrayal and motivations come to light. A grim battle ensues, resulting in injuries for both men. Ultimately, Frank manages to turn the tables by incapacitating Loffler with a neurotoxin dart, capturing him in a noose, and unleashing the white jaguar for his final act of vengeance.

As the Coast Guard arrives, the vessel’s captain inquires about the animal transport permits, and Ellen skillfully covers for Frank by claiming that Loffler destroyed the paperwork, ensuring their escape while concealing the chaos that unfolded aboard the ship.

Timeline

Track the key events of Primal (2019) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Setting Sail

Frank Walsh boards the ship carrying a rare white jaguar intended for transport to the United States. This journey is complicated by the presence of a notorious criminal, Richard Loffler, who is being escorted by the FBI.

Embarkation point

The Jaguar's Significance

The white jaguar, captured by Frank, is seen as an evil spirit by the local villagers. Frank intends to auction the rare animal for a million dollars, disregarding the villagers' beliefs and the jaguar's endangered status.

Ellen's Warning

During a meal in the ship's cafeteria, Dr. Ellen Taylor urges Frank to reconsider his plan and to turn the jaguar over to the endangered species bureau. She emphasizes the importance of protecting such rare creatures rather than capitalizing on them.

Ship's cafeteria

Loffler's Escape

Richard Loffler fakes a seizure, using the distraction to kill his guards and escape confinement. This development creates chaos on the ship, putting everyone in danger as he begins to enact his plans.

Ship

Animal Release

In a calculated move, Loffler frees some of Frank's captured animals, including aggressive monkeys. The unleashed animals create havoc on the ship, attacking the crew members and complicating the already dangerous situation.

Ship

Taunting Frank

Loffler uses a stolen radio to mock Frank, revealing they share a military background. He expresses bitterness over how the military trained him as an assassin and later discarded him, further complicating their conflict.

Ship

Water Pump Sabotage

As Loffler continues his rampage, he sabotages the ship by stopping the water pumps and unleashing venomous snakes. This swift action increases his control over the vessel and instills fear among the crew.

Ship

Ringer's Demise

In a shocking turn of events, Loffler eliminates John Ringer and most of the FBI agents aboard. This escalates the tension on the ship as Frank is left to confront the dire situation with little support.

Ship

Betrayal Revealed

Paul Freed is exposed as an insider working with Loffler, feeding him vital information. This betrayal adds another layer of danger for Frank, who must now deal with both Loffler and an insider threat.

Ship

Impersonation and Deceit

Loffler impersonates Ringer to trick the Coast Guard into assisting him, showcasing his cunning nature. This act not only highlights his desperation but also increases the stakes for Frank as time runs out.

Ship

Hostage Situation

The confrontation reaches a climax when Frank discovers that Loffler has taken Ellen hostage. This development forces Frank to act quickly, balancing the lives at stake with his own mission.

Ship

Final Showdown

In a fierce battle, Frank and Loffler engage in a struggle that results in injuries for both. Frank must rely on his instincts and expertise to turn the tide against the more experienced criminal.

Ship

Loffler Captured

Using a neurotoxin dart, Frank successfully incapacitates Loffler, securing his capture in a noose. This marks a turning point in the conflict, leading to a sense of triumph for Frank despite the chaos.

Ship

The Jaguar's Release

In a symbolic act of retribution, Frank releases the white jaguar against Loffler. This final act serves as a poignant reminder of the jaguar's power and nature's retribution against those who exploit it.

Ship

A Convenient Cover-up

As the Coast Guard arrives, the captain questions the animal transport permits. Ellen cleverly covers for Frank by claiming that Loffler destroyed the paperwork, ensuring their escape and shielding Frank from the chaos that transpired.

Ship

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Primal (2019) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Frank Walsh (Nicolas Cage)

Frank Walsh is a seasoned big-game hunter driven by ambition and a desire to protect the rare white jaguar he has captured. His character evolves from a determined hunter to a desperate protector as he faces escalating chaos aboard the ship. Walsh's expertise is continually challenged as he navigates treachery and physical danger.

🦁 Hunter 💪 Determined

Richard Loffler (Kevin Durand)

Richard Loffler is a cunning and dangerous criminal who embodies chaos during the ship’s journey. His military background and survival instincts make him a formidable antagonist as he manipulates situations to his advantage. Loffler's unpredictability adds a layer of tension, challenging Frank's every move.

🔫 Criminal 🦹‍♂️ Chaotic

Dr. Ellen Taylor (Famke Janssen)

Dr. Ellen Taylor is a compassionate neurologist who initially seeks to protect Loffler's health but soon finds herself embroiled in the unfolding chaos. Her dedication to her principles drives her to intervene and advocate for the endangered jaguar, showcasing her strength and resourcefulness amidst danger.

🩺 Doctor ❤️ Compassionate

John Ringer (LaMonica Garrett)

John Ringer is an FBI agent tasked with recapturing Loffler, displaying a strong sense of duty and leadership. His character represents law enforcement's struggle against clever criminal tactics. Ringer's determination highlights the complexities of justice in the face of significant personal risk.

👮‍♂️ FBI Agent 🚨 Responsible

Setting

Uncover the settings of Primal (2019), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.


Time period

The movie does not specify an exact time period, but the events suggest a contemporary setting where modern technology and law enforcement are present. The characters' backgrounds and motivations hint at a modern-day scenario, reflecting current societal themes and conflicts.

Location

Ocean, Ship

The film takes place primarily aboard a ship navigating the ocean, a setting that embodies both adventure and danger. This vessel becomes a battleground as various characters confront their personal demons while dealing with external threats. The ocean serves as a vast, unpredictable backdrop to the tension and chaos that ensues.

🌊 Ocean 🚢 Ship

Themes

Explore the core themes of Primal (2019). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🦁

Survival

Survival is a central theme in 'Primal', as Frank must navigate both physical and ethical challenges to protect the jaguar and himself. The struggle between predator and prey, both human and animal, illustrates the lengths individuals will go to in order to survive. This theme also explores the moral dilemmas of captivity versus freedom.

⚖️

Betrayal

Betrayal permeates the narrative, particularly through Paul's duplicitous actions that escalate the tension. The film showcases how trust can be easily shattered, leading to devastating consequences for all involved. This theme emphasizes the complexities of loyalty and the impact of personal choices in high-stakes situations.

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