Primitive War on Lionsgate Play from Nov 28
Get ready for a wild, adrenaline-fueled survival story as Primitive War arrives on Lionsgate Play on November 28.
Blending gritty war drama with intense creature horror, the film takes viewers deep into the Vietnam War—only to unleash a threat far more terrifying than enemy soldiers. Based on Ethan Pettus’ novel, this adaptation delivers a violent, atmospheric, and unexpected twist on the war genre.
Story Overview
Set in Vietnam, 1968, the film follows a seasoned recon team known as Vulture Squad, assigned to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a Green Beret platoon in a remote jungle valley. The mission seems straightforward at first, but the squad quickly realizes something is very wrong.
As they journey deeper into the untouched wilderness, strange tracks, eerie roars, and brutal carnage hint at a threat beyond anything they’ve encountered. What they uncover is shocking: resurrected dinosaurs, born from a disastrous Soviet experiment gone out of control.
Suddenly, the soldiers are trapped between hostile terrain, an enemy nation, and prehistoric predators determined to hunt anything that moves. The line between hunter and hunted disappears, turning their mission into a desperate fight for survival.
Cast
- Ryan Kwanten as Sergeant First Class Ryan Baker
- Tricia Helfer as Sofia Wagner
- Nick Wechsler as Eli Taylor
- Jeremy Piven as Colonel Amadeus Jericho
- Anthony Ingruber as Gerald Keyes
- Ana Thu Nguyen as Con Nhen
- Aaron Glenane as Logan Stovall
Each actor brings intensity and grit to the story, adding emotional stakes to the carnage and chaos.
Direction and Writing
- Directed by: Luke Sparke
- Written by: Ethan Pettus & Luke Sparke
- Based on: Primitive War by Ethan Pettus
Luke Sparke, known for bringing large-scale action to life, combines gritty combat realism with creature-feature thrills, making the film both visually striking and relentlessly tense.
Production & Distribution
- Production Company: Sparke Films
- Distributed by: Rialto Distribution
With jungle-heavy cinematography, practical effects, and an eerie war-zone atmosphere, the film leans into survival horror while maintaining the grit of a traditional war movie.
Why Primitive War Stands Out
- A fresh blend of military action and dinosaur horror
- Atmospheric jungle setting packed with tension
- Strong performances from a diverse cast
- Unexpected twists that heighten the brutality and suspense
- An adaptation that remains loyal to the dark tone of the novel
If you’re a fan of creature thrillers, war films, or survival adventures, Primitive War promises a gripping and explosive viewing experience.
