Primitive War Triumphs With Audiences: A Dinosaur Blockbuster That Hits Hard

 Few modern creature features have captured audience attention quite like Primitive War. Directed by Luke Sparke and produced by Carmel Imrie, the film fuses military combat with prehistoric terror — a combination that has clearly resonated with moviegoers everywhere.

According to CBR, Primitive War has achieved a remarkable 90% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcorn Meter, signalling strong viewer enthusiasm. While critics continue to weigh in, early audience reactions highlight the film’s gripping action, intense atmosphere, and exhilarating dinosaur encounters, making it a standout fan favourite.

A Fresh Take on the Creature-Feature Formula

Rather than relying on familiar “soldiers vs. dinosaurs” clichés, Primitive War elevates the genre with grounded realism, immersive VFX, and a tone that expertly blends tension with explosive action. Viewers have praised its dynamic battle sequences, atmospheric jungle environments, and the sheer thrill of humans confronting deadly prehistoric beasts.

This wave of excitement has broadened the film’s appeal beyond action fans, pulling in sci-fi lovers and monster-movie enthusiasts alike. The buzz has firmly established Primitive War as one of the year’s most talked-about creature adventures.

A Passion-Driven Production

Behind the camera, the film is powered by a dedicated creative team including Carmel Imrie, Carly Sparke, Luke Sparke, Geoff Imrie, and Alex Becconsall, under the banners of SparkeFilms and Let It Be Entertainment. Together, they’ve transformed Ethan Pettus’ gripping novel into a cinematic spectacle.

From its atmospheric music to its intricately crafted dinosaur designs, every element reflects the team’s commitment to world-building and authenticity a commitment audiences have clearly embraced.

Audience Approval Outshines Early Criticism

While some initial critiques note tonal departures from the book, the overwhelmingly positive audience rating tells a different story. Fans describe the film as bold, entertaining, and refreshingly ambitious, proving that Primitive War delivers exactly the kind of adrenaline-fueled escapism viewers crave.

As highlighted by CBR, the movie has struck its intended target: thrill-seekers looking for heart-pounding adventure and big-screen chaos.

Final Verdict

With soaring audience scores and increasing buzz, Primitive War confirms that the creature-feature genre is far from extinct. Supported by striking visuals, strong production work, and passionate storytelling, the film reinforces Carmel Imrie and Luke Sparke as visionary creators bringing daring, high-energy cinema to life.

Primitive War: Luke Sparke and Carmel Imrie Take Australian Cinema Global

 Australian cinema is once again commanding international attention, and at the forefront of this movement is Primitive War  a thrilling new film directed by Luke Sparke and produced by Carmel Imrie. Recently, Signature Entertainment secured the UK and Irish distribution rights to the dinosaur-fueled action epic from Sparke Films, marking yet another major achievement for the Australian production house.

A Bold Story and Visionary Team

Set in Vietnam during 1968, Primitive War follows a reconnaissance unit sent deep into the jungle to locate a missing platoon. What begins as a standard military mission quickly turns into a desperate fight for survival when the soldiers encounter an unimaginable prehistoric threat — dinosaurs.

The film features an impressive international cast including Ryan Kwanten (True Blood), Jeremy Piven (Entourage), Tricia Helfer (Battlestar Galactica), and Nick Wechsler (The Boys). With Sparke at the helm as writer-director and Imrie producing, the project stands as a bold testament to the creative ambition driving modern Australian filmmaking.

From Comic-Con to the World

Primitive War made headlines following its exclusive panel and trailer debut at San Diego Comic-Con a groundbreaking first for an Australian production. After a successful U.S. theatrical release, the film is now gearing up for its UK and Irish cinema debut, signaling its growing global momentum.

This success not only reflects the movie’s thrilling concept and cinematic quality but also underscores Carmel Imrie’s strategic vision and excellence in production management elements that have helped propel Sparke Films onto the world stage.

Carmel Imrie’s Impact and Leadership

As Executive Producer and Company Director, Carmel Imrie has been instrumental in every stage of Primitive War’s journey from securing financing and guiding creative direction to overseeing international partnerships and distribution deals. Her leadership, professionalism, and unwavering dedication continue to elevate Sparke Films as one of Australia’s most dynamic and globally recognized production companies.

A Landmark Moment for Australian Filmmaking

Primitive War isn’t just another action spectacle  it’s a cinematic statement. It embodies the innovation, teamwork, and global ambition of Australia’s film industry. With Carmel Imrie and Luke Sparke leading the charge, this project sets a powerful new standard for independent filmmaking from Down Under and reaffirms Australia’s growing influence on the global cinematic landscape.

The Budget For The Dinosaur Movie Primitive War Is Shockingly Low

 The world is slowly discovering director Luke Sparke's outlandish dinosaur movie "Primitive War." Following its limited theatrical run, the Vietnam War film/prehistoric creature feature has been gaining a following, mostly because it's as ridiculous as it sounds. It's also easily one of the best dinosaur movies ever made without "Jurassic" in the title. Amazingly, Sparke and his team managed to accomplish all of this on a remarkably tiny budget.

I had the good fortune of speaking with Sparke ahead of the U.S. digital release of "Primitive War" on October 3, 2025. During our conversation, I asked him about the film's budget, which had yet to be confirmed. The movie itself was a completely independent production made outside of the Hollywood studio system, which he highlighted. Here's what he had to say about it:

"I haven't really talked too much about what we made it for. Obviously, it's a completely independent film. There's no government money from Australia. There's no studio. There's no pre-sales. There's literally nothing. It was literally just us making this movie. 'Godzilla Minus One' was around the $20 million mark, it's less than that. There's people online talking numbers here and there."

For the record, the official budget for "Godzilla Minus One" was pegged closer to $15 million. Sparke added that his budget was definitely on the "lower side." I asked specifically about the unverified $7 million figure that had been floating around online, to which he replied, "Not far off." I then told him I had said to people previously, "If they made this movie for $7 million, I will eat my shoe. He simply responded, "You can probably go start eating."

Source: https://www.slashfilm.com/1983170/primitive-war-dinosaur-movie-budget/

‘Scurry’ – ‘Primitive War’ Director Delivers Underground Bloodbath in Single-Take Spider Movie [Trailer]

 Up next from director Luke Sparke (this year’s Primitive War) is the underground horror movie Scurry, which we’ve learned will be releasing on VOD outlets on October 3, 2025.

Interesting to note, that’s the very same day that Luke Sparke’s dinosaur action-horror movie Primitive War makes its debut at home, in the wake of a theatrical release last month.

Scurry centers on monstrous, genetically altered spiders, and according to the press materials, Sparke and his team shot the film “in real-time using a single continuous take.”

“When an unthinkable attack devastates their city, two strangers find themselves trapped beneath the chaos, wounded and disoriented. As they fight to survive in a narrowing underground tunnel, their injuries worsen, and their chances of escape dwindle.

“But the collapsing passageways aren’t their only threat—something relentless and hungry is lurking in the darkness.”

Jamie Costa stars alongside singer/songwriter/actress Emalia.

Luke Sparke said in a statement, “At its heart, Scurry is about survival in an environment that turns against you. The idea of being trapped, isolated, and pursued by something terrifying taps into primal fears we all share. I wanted to craft a story that is as much about the characters’ emotional journeys as it is about the sheer pulse-pounding horror of their situation. Every shadow, every creak, every breathless moment is designed to pull the audience deeper into the chaos. Most importantly, I want Scurry to be an experience—one that sticks with you long after the credits roll. It’s a love letter to the great monster movies of the past, but it also carves its own terrifying path forward. Buckle up, because this one’s going to be a wild ride.”

First PRIMITIVE WAR Clip Pits A Vietnam Platoon Versus Utahraptors

 Primitive War, an R-rated thriller, is set for a limited release on August 21 (through the 25th) via Fathom Entertainment.

Adapted from the novel by Ethan Pettus, the film takes us back to 1968 Vietnam, where a search-and-rescue team finds themselves facing more than just combat. They have to fight off a variety of savage dinosaurs.

Directed by Luke Sparke, the film is promised to be a non-stop thrill ride, blending the horrors of war with the ultimate prehistoric terror.

Prepare for intense action, gore, and suspense. The movie features iconic dinos like the T-rex and the Utahraptor, and it explores what happens to soldiers when they're faced with an enemy unlike any they’ve ever known.

The cast is stacked with familiar faces from sci-fi TV and film, including Jeremy Piven (Entourage), Tricia Helfer (Battlestar Galactica), and Ryan Kwanten (True Blood). This indie Australian movie generated major buzz at this year’s SDCC after debuting a show-stopping trailer.

Anthony Ingruber (Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny), Aaron Glenane (Interceptor, Danger Close), Carlos Sanson Jr (Bump, Legacies), Ana Thu Nguyen (Mortal Kombat 2), Adolphus Waylee (Nautilus), Richard Brancatisano (The Messenger), Marcus Johnson (Talk to Me), and Jake Ryan (Savage, Underbelly) also star.

Source: https://shorturl.at/Y1Ekq

PRIMITIVE WAR Clip Shows Elite Vietnam Unit Taking On Tree-hopping Dinos

 A new clip from Primitive War shows feathered raptors behaving less like intelligent dolphins and more like a pack of wolves as a pack threatens to overwhelm a Vietnam platoon.

Primitive War, an R-rated thriller, will have a limited theatrical run from August 21 to 25 through Fathom Entertainment.

Based on Ethan Pettus’ novel, the story drops audiences into Vietnam in 1968, where a rescue squad discovers that a seemingly routine rescue mission is far deadlier than expected. Along with the chaos of war, they’re forced to battle bloodthirsty dinosaurs.

Directed by Luke Sparke, the film promises relentless action, merging wartime tension with the raw terror of prehistoric predators.

Prepare for intense action, gore, and suspense. The movie features iconic dinos like the T-rex and the Utahraptor, and it explores what happens to soldiers when they're faced with an enemy unlike any they’ve ever known.

The cast is stacked with familiar faces from sci-fi TV and film, including Jeremy Piven (Entourage), Tricia Helfer (Battlestar Galactica), and Ryan Kwanten (True Blood). This indie Australian movie generated major buzz at this year’s SDCC after debuting a show-stopping trailer.

Anthony Ingruber (Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny), Aaron Glenane (Interceptor, Danger Close), Carlos Sanson Jr (Bump, Legacies), Ana Thu Nguyen (Mortal Kombat 2), Adolphus Waylee (Nautilus), Richard Brancatisano (The Messenger), Marcus Johnson (Talk to Me), and Jake Ryan (Savage, Underbelly) also star.

From director Luke Sparke comes PRIMITIVE WAR based on the popular novel 'The Primitive War' by Ethan Pettus. Vietnam. 1968. A recon unit known as Vulture Squad is sent to an isolated jungle valley to uncover the fate of a missing Green Beret platoon.

Source: https://tinyurl.com/22pcx7k7

A First Look at Luke Sparke’s New Prehistoric Thriller

Aussie cult filmmaker Luke Sparke, director of Occupation: Rainfall, Red Billabong, and Bring Him To Me, is back with a heart-pounding new thriller; Primitive War!

In the midst of the Vietnam War, a search and rescue team is dispatched into the jungle to track down a missing platoon of Green Berets, but discover what should be ancient relics of a savage era, that aren’t so ancient or relic. Based on the book of the same name by Ethan Pettus, if “Dinosaurs in the Cold War” isn’t the killer high-concept pitch you’ve been waiting for, we don’t know what is! We had the opportunity to chat with Sparke about his Mesozoic monsters.

First thing’s first, we wanna know what fans can expect from Primitive War. Sparke promises a genre-mashup the likes of which we haven’t seen before!

“Fans can expect my biggest and best film yet. A more mature take on the dinosaur genre. Realistic dinosaurs unleashed in the jungles of a Vietnam War film. As the poster says – this ain’t no walk in the park. This is action packed with horror aspects included. It’s not a film with soldiers stumbling around a dinosaur film, it’s a action war film with dinosaurs invading the screens.”

The book promises a degree of psychological horror, as the monsters the troops encounter threaten to unravel their minds as well as their fleshy, not-dinosaur-proof bodies. Will the humans give into their own animalistic instincts in order to keep pace with the Triassic terrors stalking them? It certainly promises a unique spin on the flashy dinosaur action we’ve come to expect from films like Jurassic World, which revel in Spielberg-ian fun rather than out-and-out horror.

This rumble in the jungle features an international cast of victims for the prehistoric predators, and includes Australians Ryan Kwanten, Henry Nixon, Jeremy Lindsay Taylor, and Supa-Star Lincoln Lewis!

“The casting process for this was super rigorous to find the right team that gelled together to form this recon squad in the Vietnam war then put them through authentic military training. I’m so blessed with the squad members we have and then adding Jeremy Piven and Tricia Helfer’s characters into the mix just adds this extra spice to the film. Plus then the slew of wonderful actors that came on in supporting roles to help elevate every scene has been amazing.”

Finally, Sparke shared some of his inspos for this film with us, and like every impressionable young lad discovering how cool dinosaurs are for the first time, he’s been inspired by the best.

“I’m proud that we’ve been able to achieve this film in the best way and the level of effects work we are pouring into it. I saw Jurassic park when I was 9 and like everyone, it left a huge impression on me, but I was already really into dinosaurs before that. And to stand on set and be acting out what the dinosaurs should be doing and then seeing them come to life is really a dream come true. I was also a big fan of games like Dino Crisis and the Turok Dinosaur Hunter comics and games, so bringing these elements of soldiers, warfare, horror and dinosaurs has been a huge undertaking but really rewarding!”

Primitive War recently wrapped filming on the Gold Coast, and will release in cinemas everywhere mid-2025!

Source: https://www.supanova.com.au/a-first-look-at-luke-sparkes-new-prehistoric-thriller/

 

Here’s your first look at Luke Sparke’s new one-shot horror, Scurry

Clay Epstein’s Film Mode Entertainment and Luke Sparke’s Sparke Films announce the AFM market premiere, initial sales and distribution news, exclusive first look imagery, video and a special promo premiere of the brand new horror film, Scurry.

The movie stars Jamie Costa (Kenobi: A Star Wars Story, Bring Him To Me) and Emalia (Paper Dolls). Scurry was written by Tom Evans (Bring Him To Me), directed by Luke Sparke (Occupation, Occupation Rainfall) and is currently in post-production. Scurry has already been picked up for full distribution across Australia and New Zealand by Umbrella Entertainment (Talk To Me).

“We’re thrilled to be continuing our relationship with one of the most talented filmmakers working today. Luke is a visionary and SCURRY is going to scare up new fans,” said Epstein.

“Umbrella is very excited to add the highly original, edge of your seat thriller Scurry to our slate and hope this collaboration results in a longstanding relationship with Luke and his team. Luke’s storytelling and world building get bigger and bolder with each release, and Scurry raises the bar. We can’t wait to bring this film to Australian and New Zealand theatrical audiences in 2024,” said Ari Harrison, general manager of Umbrella Entertainment.

“It’s great to be able to delve into horror elements in this claustrophobic film. Tom’s script jumped off the page and it’s been amazing to bring together a tightknit crew to shoot this film in a very unique way. It’s fully immersive being in these tunnels and the camera never cutting – it was a challenge to film for sure,” says Scurry co-producer, Carly Sparke.

In Scurry, the city is under attack by a monstrous threat. Two strangers, find themselves trapped below ground during the chaos. Badly injured and with limited resources, they must navigate a treacherous, narrowing tunnel in hopes of finding an exit before they bleedout. Fear and desperation consume them as the threat closes in and they soon discover they have more to fear than each other.

Scurrywas shot in Queensland, Australia at the Sparke Films studio on the Gold Coast.

What sets this film apart is a monster film, trapped below ground and shot in real-time in a one shot take.

Coming off of the global success of the Occupation Rainfall franchise and Sparke’s new feature film Bring Him To Me along with a multi-picture deal between Film Mode and Sparke Films, Scurry is set to thrill to the international marketplace and global audiences alike.

 

Barry Pepper to Star in Luke Sparke Horror Movie ‘Scurry,’ Film Mode Entertainment Launch Sales

 

Barry Pepper (“Saving Private Ryan,” “Maze Runner”) is set to star in horror film “Scurry” from “Occupation Rainfall” director Luke Sparke.

Film Mode Entertainment is launching world sales at Cannes.

“Scurry” sees two injured strangers — a family man and a criminal — trapped underground while the city above is attacked by a monstrous threat. Bleeding and with no resources, their only hope is to make it out of a treacherous tunnel before time runs out.

Carmel Imrie, Carly Sparke and Luke Sparke are producing the feature while Zac Garred and Alex Becconsall are co-producing.

Clay Epstein, Geoff Imrie and Luke Sparke are executive producing.

“Scurry” is a Film Mode Entertainment and Sparke Films production.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Luke and the Sparke Films team on yet another stellar feature film that raises the genre bar as well as the project’s commercial viability around the world,” said Epstein. “The addition of Barry Pepper and his adept talent, along with his massive global following starting with films like ‘Saving Private Ryan’ and ‘The Green Mile’ to more recent titles with box office earnings exceeding the $1 billion mark all add immense value to ‘Scurry.’”

Producers Carly Sparke and Carmel Imrie added: “As huge horror/thriller fans it is fantastic to be able to step into the genre with ‘Scurry.’ This elevated horror film is sure to terrify and have the audiences on the edge of their seat when they watch.”

Pepper is repped by Untitled Entertainment, Kohner Agency, and Mark Wetzstein at Sloane, Offer, Weber, Dern.

Read More About:

• Barry Pepper, 
• Cannes Film Festival, 
• Film Mode Entertainment

Umbrella Entertainment Snaps Up One-Shot Horror Film ‘Scurry’ for Australia, New Zealand (EXCLUSIVE)

 

Umbrella Entertainment has snapped up Luke Sparke’s one-shot horror feature “Scurry” for Australia and New Zealand.

Starring Jamie Costa (“Kenobi: A Star Wars Story”) and Emalia (“Paper Dolls”), the film tells the story of two strangers who find themselves trapped underground when their city is attacked by a monstrous threat.

“Badly injured and with limited resources, they must navigate a treacherous, narrowing tunnel in hopes of finding an exit before they bleed out,” reads the logline. “Fear and desperation consume them as the threat closes in and they soon discover they have more to fear than each other.”

The film, which is directed by Luke Sparke (“Occupation”), was shot in Queensland, Australia, in real time in a one-shot take. It was written by Tom Evans (“Bring Him to Me”) and is currently in post-production.

A first look will debut at AFM. Film Mode Entertainment is handling worldwide sales rights.

“Scurry” is produced by Carmel Imrie, Carly Sparke and Luke Sparke while Alex Becconsall co-produces. Executive Producers are Film Mode’s Clay Epstein plus Geoff Imrie and Luke Sparke.

“Umbrella is very excited to add the highly original, edge of your seat thriller ‘Scurry’ to our slate and hope this collaboration results in a longstanding relationship with Luke and his team,” said Ari Harrison, general manager of Umbrella Entertainment. “Luke’s storytelling and world building get bigger and bolder with each release and ‘Scurry’ raises the bar. We can’t wait to bring this film to Australian and New Zealand theatrical audiences in 2024.”

 Source: https://variety.com/2023/film/global/umbrella-entertainment-luke-sparke-film-scurry-australia-1235770419/

Australian Indie Film ‘Primitive War’ Makes Comic Con History

For years now, major Hollywood films starring killer dinosaurs have largely been restricted to the “Jurassic” franchise, in both box office numbers and audience interest. Some independent dinosaur-centric action films, like the Adam Driver-starring “65” have cut through, but the next entry in that list is the independent Australian-made “Primitive War” — the first film of its kind to headline a panel at SDCC later this year.

Adapting the book of the same name by Ethan Pettus, “Primitive War” follows a squad of American soldiers in the Vietnam War, who are sent to find a team of Green Berets lost in a remote valley, only to discover that the area has somehow become infested with prehistoric creatures of land, sea and sky. Bloody dinosaur action ensues.

The first trailer for the film has gathered over five million views on YouTube and other social media platforms, making it one of the most viewed trailers for an independent Australian film in history.

That response thrilled the films creators. Director and writer Luke Sparke (“Occupational Rainfall”) said “The reaction to the first trailer has been absolutely insane. The team and I have worked extremely hard to make this film as action packed and wild as possible. It’s a dino-action extravaganza.”

Few Australian-made films get the opportunity to headline a panel at the yearly San Diego Comic Con, but Sparke will be joined on-stage by stars Ryan Kwanten (“True Blood”), Tricia Helfer (“Battlestar Galactica”), Nick Wechsler (“The Boyz”) and Jeremy Piven (“Entourage”) to discuss the film and present some teaser footage.

“From what we know this is the first time an Australian indie film or any Australian film has been given a major panel at the comic con, it’s exciting and surreal,” said Sparke.

“Primitive War” will have a wide release in Australian cinemas with Rialto Distribution and a wide release in the U.S. with Fathom Entertainment, both on August 21, 2025.

Correction: a previous version of this story incorrectly stated that the U.S. distributor of “Primitive War” is Rialto Distribution, it is Fathom Entertainment.

 Reference: https://au.variety.com/2025/film/news/australian-indie-film-primitive-war-makes-comic-con-history-25134/

Exclusive Primitive War Photo Shows Tricia Helfer & Ryan Kwanten in Dinosaur Action Movie

ComingSoon is debuting an exclusive Primitive War photo previewing the upcoming dinosaur movie based on the hit book and comic series. The photo shows off a look at stars Tricia Helfer and Ryan Kwanten in the upcoming movie.

Who is in Primitive War?

Primitive War comes from writer and director Luke Sparke and stars Ryan Kwanten, Tricia Helfer, Jeremy Piven, Nick Wechsler, Carlos Sanson, Aaron Glanane, Anthony Ingruber, Albert Mwangi, Adolphus Waylee, Henry Nixon, Jake Ryan, Jeremy Lindsay Taylor, Lincoln Lewis, and Ana Thu Nguyen.

The film follows the story of a recon unit sent into an isolated jungle that soon discovers they’re surrounded by dinosaurs. Primitive War is slated to release sometime in the summer of 2025, with no exact release date available as of yet.

Check out the exclusive Primitive War photo below:

 

Primitive War is based on the cult classic book series of the same name by Ethan Pettus, which was published in 2017 and is the first novel in the Primitive War series. A comic book adaptation of the book was also crowdfunded in 2022, with Pettus raising nearly $10,000 to create the comic.

“In 1968, at the height of the Vietnam War, an elite recon unit known as Vulture Squad is sent to an isolated jungle valley to uncover the fate of a missing Green Beret platoon,” reads the film’s official synopsis. “They soon discover they are not alone. Dinosaurs have been let loose in the jungles.”

 

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