Imagine surviving the Vietnam War only to face genetically revived dinosaurs in the jungle. Primitive War brings this mind-bending concept to Indian audiences, blending military action with creature horror in a genre mashup that’s equal parts Jurassic Park and Apocalypse Now. The film lands on Lionsgate Play on November 28, 2025, offering viewers a thrilling escape into prehistoric chaos.
Table of Contents
Primitive War: Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| OTT Platform | Lionsgate Play |
| Release Date | November 28, 2025 |
| Director | Luke Sparke |
| Based On | Ethan Pettus’ 2017 novel |
| Cast | Ryan Kwanten, Tricia Helfer, Nick Wechsler, Jeremy Piven |
| Genre | War/Thriller/Creature Feature |
| Box Office | USD 1.2 million worldwide |
| Runtime | Approx. 105 minutes |
What’s Primitive War About?
Set in 1968 during the height of the Vietnam War, Primitive War follows the elite Vulture Squad—a US Army reconnaissance team dispatched to locate a missing Green Beret platoon deep in Vietnam’s remote valleys. What starts as a standard search-and-rescue mission spirals into a nightmare when the soldiers discover the jungle harbors a terrifying secret: genetically revived dinosaurs.
The squad must navigate deadly terrain while battling prehistoric predators alongside human enemies. Themes of survival, fear, and brotherhood anchor the narrative as trained warriors face threats beyond their comprehension. The film balances military tactics with creature-feature thrills, creating tension through both human conflict and monstrous encounters.
Director Luke Sparke, who co-wrote the screenplay with original author Ethan Pettus, stays faithful to the novel’s core while adapting it for cinematic storytelling. The result is a grounded war drama amplified by dinosaur-driven suspense.
Cast and Performances
Ryan Kwanten (known for True Blood and action thrillers) leads the Vulture Squad, bringing intensity and vulnerability to his role as a soldier confronting impossible odds. Tricia Helfer (Battlestar Galactica) adds depth to the ensemble, while Nick Wechsler and Jeremy Piven round out a cast that grounds the fantastical premise with believable military camaraderie.
The performances balance action sequences with character-driven moments, ensuring viewers care about the squad’s survival beyond the spectacle of dinosaur attacks.
Why You Should Watch Primitive War
Unique Concept: Vietnam War meets Jurassic Park—this genre blend rarely appears on screen, offering fresh territory for thriller fans.
Practical & Digital Effects: The film combines effects techniques to bring dinosaurs to life, appealing to creature-feature enthusiasts and war drama lovers alike.
Source Material: Based on Pettus’ popular 2017 novel, the adaptation honors the book while delivering an engaging OTT experience.
Tension-Packed Action: Military strategy collides with prehistoric chaos, creating unpredictable survival scenarios.
While the film earned modest box office returns ($1.2 million worldwide), its OTT release provides a second life and access to audiences who appreciate unconventional thrillers.
Where to Watch in India
Stream Primitive War exclusively on Lionsgate Play starting November 28, 2025. The platform offers subscription plans with HD streaming, making it accessible for thriller and creature-feature fans across India.
For more OTT recommendations, explore our Hollywood Releases Section and check out Upcoming OTT Movies to plan your streaming weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When and where can I watch Primitive War in India?
Primitive War releases on Lionsgate Play on November 28, 2025, exclusively for Indian audiences. The film streams months after its August theatrical release, bringing the Vietnam War-dinosaur thriller to subscribers who enjoy creature features and military action films.
Q2: What is Primitive War about?
Primitive War follows the elite Vulture Squad, a US Army reconnaissance team in 1968 Vietnam tasked with finding a missing Green Beret platoon. They discover the jungle harbors genetically revived dinosaurs, forcing them to survive both prehistoric predators and enemy forces in this war-thriller hybrid based on Ethan Pettus’ 2017 novel.
