Primitive War (2025) delivers a brutal fusion of war drama and creature horror set against the tense backdrop of the Vietnam War. When Vulture Squad, a specialized recon unit, is dispatched to investigate the mysterious disappearance of an entire Green Beret platoon in an isolated jungle valley, they expect enemy combatants—not the primordial nightmares that await them. The film masterfully builds suspense as the soldiers navigate both the psychological terror of guerrilla warfare and the physical threat of prehistoric predators that have somehow survived in this hidden ecosystem.

Australian director Johnathan Williams creates a claustrophobic atmosphere where the dense jungle becomes as much an antagonist as the creatures themselves. The ensemble cast delivers gritty, believable performances as hardened soldiers facing an unimaginable threat, with particular standout work in portraying the gradual erosion of military discipline under supernatural pressure. The practical creature effects blend effectively with CGI to create genuinely unsettling predators that feel both ancient and lethal.

What makes Primitive War worth watching is its unique premise executed with serious intent. Rather than leaning into B-movie camp, the film plays its horror straight, using the well-established tension of war cinema as foundation for its supernatural elements. The 133-minute runtime allows for proper character development before unleashing its terrifying creatures, creating stakes that many creature features lack. For fans of war films seeking something different or horror enthusiasts looking for historical settings with teeth, Primitive War offers a compelling, adrenaline-fueled experience that explores what happens when modern warfare meets primal terror.