FANTASIA 2023: ‘The Primevals’ Is a Charming Sci-Fi Trip Down Memory Lane

Besides creating magic through puppetry and stop motion in films and TV shows such as Young Sherlock Holmes, Willow, Puppet Master, and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, visual effects artist David Allen worked for many years in The Primevals, an ambitious dream project that promised to be a showcase of his full talents. He worked on it intermittently from 1978 until his death in 1999. Now, after 24 years his dream will finally see the light of day at Fantasia Fest 2023 thanks to the efforts of Chris Endicott, Allen’s protege, and Charles Band, his longtime producer.

Packed with nostalgia, The Primevals is a labor of love reminiscent of classic pulp movies and novels. It’s a film about adventure, wonder, cheesy badass names (Rondo Montana!), and amazing creatures brought to life by stop-motion animation. If you enjoyed the work of Ray Harryhausen (Jason and the Argonauts, Mighty Joe Young), you’re in for a treat.

Shot in Romania and the Italian Alps, the story follows a group of explorers led by Dr. Claire Collier (Juliet Mills) and Matthew Connor (Richard Joseph Paul) as they travel to Nepal in search of a Yeti only to find themselves in the midst of a fantastical world where a primitive tribe of lizard-like beings might put an end to their adventure.

After a wonderful opening sequence where a Yeti beats the snow out of a bunch of locals, the film takes a little while to take off. The assembling of the team and the introduction of the motivations of its various members are not particularly interesting aspects of The Primevals, but they do have a charming quality that fits with the playful tone of the film. The charisma of some of its cast is key too. As big game hunter Rondo Montana (what a name!), Leon Russom is one of the highlights of the film; he displays the necessary wisdom, fearlessness, and empathy to guide you through the journey. Alongside him, we have a fantastic Juliet Mills whose excitement for all the “scientific” discoveries her character encounters is contagious; her charisma more than makes up for the bland personality of other side characters.

Let’s face it: we are here for the stop motion, and thankfully the movie delivers. The care and love in the animation of each creature is palpable. David Allen worked in a famous King Kong Volkswagen ad and a re-interpretation of King Kong’s final battle for the Oscar-nominated short film Special Effects: Anything Can Happen. You can see that these experiences paid off with Yeti of The Primevals: it’s so beautifully animated that destruction takes a backseat to emotion whenever he’s on-screen: you can feel the pain the creature is going through and immediately root for him. It’s top-notch stop-motion animation.

Endicott and Band did a great job of reviving the film and putting together what Allen left behind, but there’s an unfinished quality that is made clear through abundant plot holes, rushed sequences, and wobbly character development. The weakness of the script is unfortunate but also expected.

The big heart of The Primevals makes up for its imperfections. It’s a nostalgic good time as well as a display of passion for an often-forgotten art. In a world full of big effects and stunts, Allen’s parting gift is a beautiful reminder of the power of practical effects and stop motion to tell exciting stories.

The Primevals had its world premiere at Fantasia Fest 2023.