Primitive War (2025) Review

A hardened military reconnaissance squad are sent back into the unforgiving jungles of Vietnam but find themselves surrounded by prehistoric predators.

Written and directed by Luke Sparke, and adapted from Ethan Pettus's novel, the film is an impressively high-concept production. Sparke's contribution is all the more remarkable given the number of hats he wears here: director, writer, producer, editor and production designer. Whatever its imperfections, there is no denying the scale, ambition and sheer effort involved in bringing such an unlikely dinosaur war picture to the screen.

The cast provides the necessary backbone. Ryan Kwanten leads confidently as Sergeant Baker, while Tricia Helfer is equally welcome as Sofia, although it is difficult not to wonder why her natural accent could not have been incorporated as part of the character's cover. The supporting cast of create the feeling of a genuine military unit rather than simply a collection of disposable action-film soldiers. That said, the writing really pushes the 'likeable Platoon' characters too hard. Jeremy Piven also makes his presence felt as Colonel Amadeus Jericho.

Visually, Primitive War is something of a mixed bag, but often an impressive one. For the most part, the special effects work remarkably well, particularly considering the scale of what Sparke and his team are attempting. This is certainly a considerable step above the bargain-basement creature features associated with The Asylum, although it would be unfair to suggest it reaches the extraordinary technical standards of Industrial Light & Magic's Jurassic Park outings...

Then again, that comparison rather misses the point. Credit must be given for the sheer determination and ambition behind the production. There are moments when the dinosaurs genuinely convince, alongside others where the limitations inevitably show.

A tighter edit might have helped, trimming some of the less convincing effects rather than lingering on them, while greater discipline with the pacing could have maintained momentum throughout.

The music is another considerable strength, adding weight, atmosphere and a welcome sense of cinematic scale, particularly during the action sequences.

There is a genuinely good film at the heart of Primitive War, and perhaps that is why its occasional shortcomings are more noticeable. With a little more time, a larger budget and another pass in the editing room, Sparke might have had something truly exceptional on his hands.

As it stands, Primitive War remains an enjoyable and admirably ambitious ride, made with an obvious enthusiasm for dinosaurs, war movies and old-fashioned creature-feature spectacle. It may not always hit its target, but you cannot fault Luke Sparke and his team for taking the shot.An admirable ambitious dino ride.