Primitiva (2019)
A tiki-epic horror-comedy that sends a group of wealthy friends spiraling into jungle madness on a very unusual self-realization retreat.
Primitiva - Movie Information
Primitiva - Plot
Tiki-epic film about a group of rich(ish) friends on a self-realization retreat in the jungle.
Primitiva - Trailer
See the surreal jungle chaos of Primitiva unfold in the official trailer below.
A surreal cinematic experience unlike anything you've seen.
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Primitiva - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Daniel Trujillo
Main Cast
- Michael Madsen
- Parker Love Bowling
- Kansas Bowling
- Johnny Sins
- Andy Schrock
- Daniel Trujillo
- Sofe Cote
- Kalvin Madsen
- Don De Vore
- Sadie Moon
Writers
- Kansas Bowling
- Natasha Halevi
Producers
- Daniel Trujillo
- Natasha Halevi
- Kansas Bowling
Primitiva - FAQs
What is Primitiva about?
Primitiva is a tiki-epic horror-comedy following a group of wealthy-ish friends who head into the jungle for a self-realization retreat. What begins as an offbeat escape quickly spirals into something far stranger and more dangerous, blending psychedelic humor with genuine jungle-set dread.
Who are the main actors in Primitiva?
The cast includes Michael Madsen as the narrator, Parker Love Bowling as Perry, Kansas Bowling as Katrina, Johnny Sins and Andy Schrock voicing sloths, Daniel Trujillo as Nate, Sofe Cote as Sonya, Kalvin Madsen as Kent, Don De Vore, and Sadie Moon as Stella.
What makes Primitiva unique as a horror-comedy?
Primitiva leans into a distinctly lo-fi, tiki-inspired aesthetic that sets it apart from conventional horror-comedies. It mixes psychedelic jungle imagery, cannibal undertones, and absurdist humor into something genuinely odd and hard to categorize — a micro-budget fever dream with a personality all its own.
Where was Primitiva filmed?
Primitiva was filmed in Puerto Rico, taking full advantage of the island's lush tropical jungle landscapes to create its immersive, sun-drenched atmosphere. The location gives the film a vivid, authentic feel that amplifies both its comedic absurdity and its more unsettling horror elements.
Who directed and wrote Primitiva?
Daniel Trujillo directed Primitiva and also served as cinematographer and editor, giving the film a distinctly personal, hands-on vision. The screenplay was written by Kansas Bowling and Natasha Halevi, both of whom also contributed as producers alongside Trujillo.
What is the runtime of Primitiva?
Primitiva runs for 69 minutes, keeping things lean and fast-paced. Its compact runtime suits the film's anarchic energy perfectly — it never overstays its welcome, delivering its surreal jungle chaos in a tight, punchy package that horror-comedy fans can easily enjoy in a single sitting.
What are some movies similar to Primitiva?
If Primitiva's jungle-set weirdness appeals to you, check out Infinity Pool (2023), The Hunt (2020), Yummy (2019), and El Conde (2023) for more genre-bending horror-comedy. For something equally offbeat and low-budget, Lost After Dark (2014) and Surviving Evil (2009) offer a similar cult-film spirit.
What is the production budget of Primitiva?
Primitiva was made on a budget of $700,000, which is impressively modest for a feature shot on location in Puerto Rico. The film's resourceful production design and DIY aesthetic actually work in its favor, lending the jungle retreat setting a raw, unpredictable energy that bigger-budget productions rarely capture.
More About Primitiva
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