I had the chance to catch a preview screening of the first four episodes of Primal on the big screen in Los Angeles. This is the most stunning piece of animation I've seen in years. It completely immerses you in a rich, fantastic world. The character designs are brilliant. The action is awesome. And it does it all without a single word of spoken dialogue. A triumph of visual storytelling.
177 Reviews
Beautiful, Emotional, Raw and Violent
hassambitw11 October 2019
Genndy Tartakovsky's Primal, set in the Mesozoic era, depicts a story of a caveman named Spear, who, under tragic circumstances, is forced to ally with a T-Rex, Fang, in order to survive whatever obstacles it is they come across on their journey.
I'm three episodes in so far, and I'm hooked. Not only is it beautifully animated which makes every battle scene stand out and be visceral, but it does so much more to appeal to our internal emotions solely by the expressions on the characters' faces and their movements, without really humanizing anything. It reminds you that in this harsh world, to live is to eat, and to eat is to kill. The art style is gorgeous as well, with its world rich with subtle details to make it feel alive. The score for this hits a balance between something eerie and organic, with a bit of drums added in which adds to the tension during chases and whatnot.
This show is a gem. Please go see it and voice your support so we (hopefully) get to see more like this.
I'm three episodes in so far, and I'm hooked. Not only is it beautifully animated which makes every battle scene stand out and be visceral, but it does so much more to appeal to our internal emotions solely by the expressions on the characters' faces and their movements, without really humanizing anything. It reminds you that in this harsh world, to live is to eat, and to eat is to kill. The art style is gorgeous as well, with its world rich with subtle details to make it feel alive. The score for this hits a balance between something eerie and organic, with a bit of drums added in which adds to the tension during chases and whatnot.
This show is a gem. Please go see it and voice your support so we (hopefully) get to see more like this.
Another great series by Genndy Tartakovsky
Rectangular_businessman24 July 2021
This perhaps one of the best series Adult Swim has made in a long time, being another great excellent series by Genndy Tartakovsky, with impressive animation and a great atmosphere.
Amazing how the lack of dialogue actually works incredibly well for this series: The rule "Show, don't tell" is at full display here, and it has an excellent dramatic effect.
It feels more cinematic than many modern dialogue-driven action movies.
Amazing how the lack of dialogue actually works incredibly well for this series: The rule "Show, don't tell" is at full display here, and it has an excellent dramatic effect.
It feels more cinematic than many modern dialogue-driven action movies.
The emotion of animation
mematron7 October 2019
From the timing to the story and the style; at its core this is a very masterfull story told with beautiful delicate animation. It's not easy telling a story without words but when you can, not do but CAN; well, you get a powerful display of raw, one might even say, PRIMAL essence of character.
This is why we make animation. This is why we tell stories. have fun with this show and be prepared for the feels.
This is why we make animation. This is why we tell stories. have fun with this show and be prepared for the feels.
Just Awesome1
sdaneshan7 October 2019
The Darker Version of Samurai Jack
nasdagoodshepherd8 October 2019
Tonight, I watched the new animated show for Adult Swim, Primal, from show creator, Genndy Tartakovsky who is well known for creating Dexter's Laboratory, Samurai Jack, Star Wars: The Clone Wars 2003, Sym-Bionic Titan and the Hotel Transylvania franchise. It was beyond amazing, the perfect teamwork between Spear (The cavman) and Fang (The Dinosaur) going on adventures to hunt, kill and survive through many deadly prehistoric creatures that can kill anything or anyone. This is one of the best things Genndy Tartakovsky has ever done. Now it can wait for another episode tomorrow night at midnight! And then, I'll also wait for Hotel Transylvania 4. I give Primal a 9.5/10
I'm speechless
chrisgallo-2833512 October 2019
Excellent non verbal Primal
sscialli11 October 2019
In the 1970's Marvel Comics ran a series of comics in its own series called Devil Dinosaur, it was about a intelligent verbal primate who saved a dinosaur similar to the one here , only red hence the name, and the minute they bonded was sparked to the memory of the characters in the comic and this screamed in my head the joys from the pages into an awesome animation spectacle which is so richly done! Two species fighting for their lives and each other bound by circumstance created in such a way that entertaining , powerful and richly drawn with rich hues of saturated prime colors. I'm going to be saddened knowing it will end. Since the days of Dexters Lab to Samurai Jack i have enjoyed the creators style, this I hope brings more for us to enjoy on the fringe. Thank You Mr. Tartakovsky for your stellar work.
The low ratings are dumb
carlgarethnorton30 December 2020
This is art. The dialogue is the gestures and facial expressions. Its brilliant, you feel like you know what they're thinking and it has comical moments in a savage story
There is comments that cry about animal abuse which is ludicrous There is comments saying this is for kids Which is ludicrous There is comments saying this is stupid Which is ludicrous
Where have your imaginations gone? I genuinely feel like the negative comments are written by people who just like to be negative and have a superior complex because none of the 1/10s had anything of substance
There is comments that cry about animal abuse which is ludicrous There is comments saying this is for kids Which is ludicrous There is comments saying this is stupid Which is ludicrous
Where have your imaginations gone? I genuinely feel like the negative comments are written by people who just like to be negative and have a superior complex because none of the 1/10s had anything of substance
It's so worth a watch!!!
hoboss28069 October 2019
I was pleasantly surprised.
Actions are louder than words. This can be seen here as well. It's a true piece of art and distributes some good values: loss and its coping mechanisms, bravery, friendship, survival, loyalty.
It's a good one. I highly recommend.
It's definitely nothing for younger children but aged 7 and up could watch that. Europeans aren't that strict and since it's animated it's kind of okay and has really good values.
Actions are louder than words. This can be seen here as well. It's a true piece of art and distributes some good values: loss and its coping mechanisms, bravery, friendship, survival, loyalty.
It's a good one. I highly recommend.
It's definitely nothing for younger children but aged 7 and up could watch that. Europeans aren't that strict and since it's animated it's kind of okay and has really good values.
A Caveman And A Dinosaur
dk77710 February 2021
An interesting and fun show with a good story that has great potential.
From the very beginning, it is clear that this is a series for adults.
There is an abundance of violence, it is quite brutal and bloody, and the very beginning of the story is really sad.
The animation is good, as is the directing and the series itself is easy to watch. The episodes are interesting, the story unfolds quickly and sometimes goes in unforeseen directions which is one of the things that makes this show good. The first season is almost brilliant, while the second season is not so good.
The first season of the show is excellent, interesting and brutal. Each episode is interesting in its own way and some episodes are brilliant.
Rage of the Ape-Men is probably the best episode in the series.
The story is really interesting, bizarre and fast-paced. The second season is not as good as the first, the quality of the episodes varies, and the ending is a bit disappointing. The last few minutes of the season are indeed both sad and hilarious at times.
Despite the flaws, the series is overall good and interesting precisely because of those few episodes that are excellent.
An interesting, unusual and brutal series that is really worth watching.
From the very beginning, it is clear that this is a series for adults.
There is an abundance of violence, it is quite brutal and bloody, and the very beginning of the story is really sad.
The animation is good, as is the directing and the series itself is easy to watch. The episodes are interesting, the story unfolds quickly and sometimes goes in unforeseen directions which is one of the things that makes this show good. The first season is almost brilliant, while the second season is not so good.
The first season of the show is excellent, interesting and brutal. Each episode is interesting in its own way and some episodes are brilliant.
Rage of the Ape-Men is probably the best episode in the series.
The story is really interesting, bizarre and fast-paced. The second season is not as good as the first, the quality of the episodes varies, and the ending is a bit disappointing. The last few minutes of the season are indeed both sad and hilarious at times.
Despite the flaws, the series is overall good and interesting precisely because of those few episodes that are excellent.
An interesting, unusual and brutal series that is really worth watching.
Man and Beast forging a strange yet powerful bond in this beautiful, graphic series
computermediajames9 October 2019
A thrilling, passionate show with cool prehistoric dinosaurs and creatures - you build a bond with it's two relatable leads and understand their anger, sadness, fear, amusement, happiness and curiosity; and neither even speaks a word. The animation and art style is fantastic and the jurassic landscape that Spear and Fang inhabit is immersive and atmospheric. I highly recommend this show to anyone looking for well-made animated storytelling (if you can handle the brutality in both it's themes and imagery).
It's hard to put into words how incredibly well made and entertaining Primal is
MoistMovies9 May 2021
It's something you have to see for yourself. Even if you think animation is above your tastes since you grew up...Personally, Im not young. And this series is not made for young people.
I won't gush over it, which I easily could.
But to say this is going under the radar is a gross understatement.
This series matches up with some of the best animated series, ever. Including Anime... Very very rarely does the west give the Japanese a run for their money (not including CGI animated films) And there was no need for words. The animation, writing and score did the talking.
The orchestral score... Its.. Just go watch it.
I won't gush over it, which I easily could.
But to say this is going under the radar is a gross understatement.
This series matches up with some of the best animated series, ever. Including Anime... Very very rarely does the west give the Japanese a run for their money (not including CGI animated films) And there was no need for words. The animation, writing and score did the talking.
The orchestral score... Its.. Just go watch it.
Visually impressive, excellent storytelling
fciocca13 October 2019
Primal is a very stunning show, setted in the prehistoric times, it tells about the strong friendship between a caveman and a dinosaur. Both lived a very traumatic experience and the only way to survive is stay and fight together.
The story is told through sounds and music, there are no dialogues, no words. The sound design, shots and animations are simply amazing, I was completely stunned: the tension in some scenes, the develop of the friendship between the animal and the human being and the design of other creatures. Everything is well balanced and you can really bound with main characters.
Genndy Tartakovsky made another amazing product, and I understand immediately why I fell in love with this serie: when I was a child, I used to be a big fan of Dexter's Laboratory, The Powerpuff Girls and Samurai Jack. Of course I just found out that he was the creator of all these series. It is a small gem. If you want to watch quality stuff, I highly recommend this show.
The story is told through sounds and music, there are no dialogues, no words. The sound design, shots and animations are simply amazing, I was completely stunned: the tension in some scenes, the develop of the friendship between the animal and the human being and the design of other creatures. Everything is well balanced and you can really bound with main characters.
Genndy Tartakovsky made another amazing product, and I understand immediately why I fell in love with this serie: when I was a child, I used to be a big fan of Dexter's Laboratory, The Powerpuff Girls and Samurai Jack. Of course I just found out that he was the creator of all these series. It is a small gem. If you want to watch quality stuff, I highly recommend this show.
An epic must-see
toonyjakes24 August 2022
You know a show is great when you can drop into any episode and find yourself enthralled. From the very first scene of Primal I was hooked.
The show has no dialogue which honestly is completely genius. The way the animation shows expression through actions and gestures is just great, and it made me feel calm, like a visual meditation. Finally a show that pushes you to watch rather than to listen to a bunch of babbling. I'm urging everyone to watch it, I'm going to show it to my friends that "dont like cartoons" so they can see that when done right, animation can almost be more powerful at conveying emotion than film. It hasn't been out long but I think that this show will go down in history and stick in our minds for years to come. Quite nothing like it. Not one bad thing to say at all.
The show has no dialogue which honestly is completely genius. The way the animation shows expression through actions and gestures is just great, and it made me feel calm, like a visual meditation. Finally a show that pushes you to watch rather than to listen to a bunch of babbling. I'm urging everyone to watch it, I'm going to show it to my friends that "dont like cartoons" so they can see that when done right, animation can almost be more powerful at conveying emotion than film. It hasn't been out long but I think that this show will go down in history and stick in our minds for years to come. Quite nothing like it. Not one bad thing to say at all.
Entertaining and visually arresting (eps. 1-5)
jamesrupert201420 November 2019
An Ally-oop-ish 'cave man' (Spear) and his tyrannosauroid companion (Fang) struggle to feed and to survive in an imaginary primal world of monsters and (now) extinct species. The show definitely views nature as 'red in tooth' as various creatures, including the heroes' off-spring, get decapitated, bit in two, or messily devoured by a variety of prehistoric carnivores. There is no script beyond grunting, roaring, or screaming but series creator Genndy Tartakovsky manages to bring a lot of personality to his voiceless yet engaging characters (both man and beast). The physics are as unrealistic as the paleo-biology, but viewers willing to suspend their disbelief will be rewarded with entertaining stories and a rich, somewhat surreal, depiction of an alternative primeval Earth.
Mindblowing Masterpiece
rafiourbane18 October 2019
At first, I didn't expect it to give me something enjoyable! But man oh man! It is amazing!!! No voice! Just pure raw emotions and wildness! Believe me guys! It's so worth your time! It has one of the best story telling of cartoon history! It will touch you emotionally make you thiking of the survival dificulties human and every living animal had to go through.
REH would be proud
skywatcher-6421127 April 2020
If you are a fan of barbaric tales and yarns of brutal survival, this is a must see. Story, art, soundtrack, all so well done! Highly recommended!
Reminiscent of REH's Hyborian age in some aspects.
Trivia note: The creator of Conan, Robert E Howard's first published tale was, yep, you guessed it, SPEAR AND FANG. Sold in 1924 and published in the July 1925 issue of Weird Tales.
Not saying this is a particularly good story at all, just his first published. Very nice nod, just hope more recognize this Easter Egg!!!
Not saying this is a particularly good story at all, just his first published. Very nice nod, just hope more recognize this Easter Egg!!!
Another Tartakowsky masterpiece!
stevebondi1 November 2020
Raw, brutal, primitive, best animation series of the moment.
deloudelouvain29 January 2021
For once I really enjoyed an animated production. Primal is raw, nothing too sofisticated, even the drawings are pretty basic but it's all pleasant to watch. Primal is brutal, with almost every episode the necessary slashing and violent killings, which you would expect in a time where surviving is the only thing you're worried about. Primal is primitive, there's no talking except some grunting, and that's exactly what makes this series great. Primal is animation for adults that like something different for once. Great job from Genndy Tartakovsky and the whole animation team.
I cannot do this animation justice, but I'll try my best here
computer2computer16 September 2022
First of all, I gotta say that I had decided to wait till the end of season 2 before I'd write & post my review, although I basically knew what I wanted to say right after watching the first episode of season 1... I simply wanted to be accurate & fairly critical in my assessment of the show.
Well, Primal is like nothing ever made before; it's brutal & savage yet heart-melting & gushes with emotions at the same time, it's crazy yet filled with wisdom at the same time, it's fast & abundant with action without a single doll moment yet suspenseful at the same time, it can be perceived as an animated documentary yet it's also filled with fantasy & imagination at the same time... BOTTOM LINE: I have never (and I literally & sincerely mean "never") seen anything more beautiful & powerful than this animation; not a TV series, not a movie, not an anime, nothing!!!
I'm a huge fan and I love the usual inspiring magical popular animations like "Dragon Ball" and "Avatar: The Last Airbender", etc --- but still; this is something else... I cannot find the words to describe how much I adore it and how much I'm fascinated by it; you just have to watch it and judge for yourself.
The script is written superbly in a way that will make you empathize & sympathize with the main characters limitlessly, to the degree of swaying you and changing your psyche & preconceived thoughts! It made me hate the Vikings and the ancient Egyptians for their ruthlessness & selfishness, especially regarding their enslaving other peoples (and I'm someone who was addicted to the TV series Vikings!), and it made me love the name Mira and her Lebanese/Phoenician culture, language & roots, and it made me wish I had a dinosaur for a pet/best-friend!
And I really have enjoyed getting brain-washed like that! Lol
JUST WATCH THE DAMN THING (if you still haven't), and thank me later.
Well, Primal is like nothing ever made before; it's brutal & savage yet heart-melting & gushes with emotions at the same time, it's crazy yet filled with wisdom at the same time, it's fast & abundant with action without a single doll moment yet suspenseful at the same time, it can be perceived as an animated documentary yet it's also filled with fantasy & imagination at the same time... BOTTOM LINE: I have never (and I literally & sincerely mean "never") seen anything more beautiful & powerful than this animation; not a TV series, not a movie, not an anime, nothing!!!
I'm a huge fan and I love the usual inspiring magical popular animations like "Dragon Ball" and "Avatar: The Last Airbender", etc --- but still; this is something else... I cannot find the words to describe how much I adore it and how much I'm fascinated by it; you just have to watch it and judge for yourself.
The script is written superbly in a way that will make you empathize & sympathize with the main characters limitlessly, to the degree of swaying you and changing your psyche & preconceived thoughts! It made me hate the Vikings and the ancient Egyptians for their ruthlessness & selfishness, especially regarding their enslaving other peoples (and I'm someone who was addicted to the TV series Vikings!), and it made me love the name Mira and her Lebanese/Phoenician culture, language & roots, and it made me wish I had a dinosaur for a pet/best-friend!
And I really have enjoyed getting brain-washed like that! Lol
JUST WATCH THE DAMN THING (if you still haven't), and thank me later.
Absolutely Fantastic!
almighty429 July 2022
My favorite show
ardith7229 October 2019
Beautiful landscabe mixed with and harsh environment
polle_dreng27 January 2022
This is an animation about the brutal side of Nature. Everything is greatly animated from the harsh environment to the facial expression of the characters. The plot of each episode is basically the same except for episode 1 and 10.
IT starts out with the Main characters spear and fang bonding over their dead families and Work together to defeat a bigger for. Runde and repeat and you have episode 2-9. And IT is still enjoyable but sometimes IT feels like they only survive due to plot armor, which ruins IT a bit.
In episode 10 we see new human and the ending leads to a theory about what going to happen in season 2.
IT starts out with the Main characters spear and fang bonding over their dead families and Work together to defeat a bigger for. Runde and repeat and you have episode 2-9. And IT is still enjoyable but sometimes IT feels like they only survive due to plot armor, which ruins IT a bit.
In episode 10 we see new human and the ending leads to a theory about what going to happen in season 2.
What is everyone raving about???
trainspotting23 August 2022
I decided to watch this probably like many people did because they like Samurai Jack and of course the guy who did that did Primal.
First of all the animation that everyone is going nuts over in their reviews is so '90s and simplistic. People must look at shows like Arcane, Love, Death and Robots or Invincible which are a lot better animation. Since the series is hand-drawn, you can tell that it reuses a ton of drawings from scene to scene.
People also say what a fantastic story Primal has. First of all Primal has no dialogue to help explain or move the plot along which a lot of people see as a huge positive, but I do not.
There are only 4 plot elements in the series
Run Fight Eat and Sleep
So for instance, 1 episode is basically Run Fight Eat Run Run Sleep and then every episode after that is just a variation on these elements.
I have been on IMDB for a long time and find it unbelievable how high the marks for this show are and how around 90 percent of the reviews are 10 out of 10.
Oh well, I have stopped watching this series and will not pick it up in season 2.
First of all the animation that everyone is going nuts over in their reviews is so '90s and simplistic. People must look at shows like Arcane, Love, Death and Robots or Invincible which are a lot better animation. Since the series is hand-drawn, you can tell that it reuses a ton of drawings from scene to scene.
People also say what a fantastic story Primal has. First of all Primal has no dialogue to help explain or move the plot along which a lot of people see as a huge positive, but I do not.
There are only 4 plot elements in the series
Run Fight Eat and Sleep
So for instance, 1 episode is basically Run Fight Eat Run Run Sleep and then every episode after that is just a variation on these elements.
I have been on IMDB for a long time and find it unbelievable how high the marks for this show are and how around 90 percent of the reviews are 10 out of 10.
Oh well, I have stopped watching this series and will not pick it up in season 2.
See also
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