Having made a strong impression as Disney’s most prominent “villainess” of 2023,
Jessica Alexander returns to the big screen in the horror film Primate,
with a completely opposite image.
Leaving behind the alluring villain roles of Disney’s fairytale world,
Jessica Alexander takes on the role of a victim for the first time in a
bloody survival story, showcasing a clear career shift and her versatile acting abilities.
Jessica Alexander in Primate
Primate revolves around the haunting experience of a family’s pet suddenly turning against humans.
In the film, Jessica Alexander plays Hannah – one of the key characters in the story.
Hannah represents a journey of growth and emotional turmoil within a tragic context.
At 27 years old, the star of The Little Mermaid shows she is ready to take on more
challenging roles, solidifying her new position on the horror film map.
“It’s So Much Fun at This Little House” and the Haunting Ending
The film opens with Lucy Pinborough returning home to Hawaii after her freshman year of college.
Her family home is a secluded resort perched on a cliff, completely isolated from the surrounding residential area –
a private paradise but also a place of absolute isolation when danger strikes.
When Lucy’s father leaves for a business trip, she turns her vacation into a reunion with friends,
hoping to enjoy the freedom of youth and temporarily forget the lingering family trauma after her mother’s death.
Lucy does not return home alone. She brings along Kate – her childhood best friend,
and Hannah – Kate’s new college acquaintance.
Hannah’s arrival not only introduces a fresh dynamic but also becomes a crucial catalyst for the conflicts in the film.
The house, once a place of shelter and bonding, gradually transforms into a claustrophobic survival zone when
the family’s pet chimpanzee, Ben, begins exhibiting disturbing and violent behavior.
Jessica Alexander on the Filming Experience
Although she is a devoted fan of the horror genre, directly participating in Primate offered
Jessica Alexander a completely different experience. She shared:
“Screaming, running, and panicking were really fun. I’m definitely a fan of gore and horror,
and this film has no shortage of that. Johannes is an extremely easy director to work with.
He gave us a lot of creative freedom and always encouraged us to push things to the limit.”
From Disney Villain to Horror Movie Victim
Before Primate, Jessica Alexander gained worldwide attention for her role as
Vanessa – the human form of the sea witch Ursula – in The Little Mermaid (2023).
Casting Alexander alongside veteran actress Melissa McCarthy was a bold decision by director
Rob Marshall. Despite her limited screen time, Alexander delivered a captivating performance that
left a lasting impression on audiences.
Rob Marshall praised her performance, stating:
“Jessica is a very young actress but extremely skilled. She is fearless, completely immersed in the character.
Beautiful, courageous, and possessing incredible versatility – Jessica is truly a force to be reckoned with.”
Following the release of her character images, social media platforms worldwide erupted,
with many viewers comparing her appearance to a figure straight out of a fairy tale.
A Brief Introduction to Jessica Alexander
Jessica Alexander was born in 1999 in London, England.
She developed a passion for acting early in life and began auditioning professionally at the age of 14.
Her first major breakthrough came in 2018 with the Disney Channel series
Penny on M.A.R.S., where she portrayed Lucy Carpenter, a central antagonist.
The role helped her gain recognition among younger audiences and established her presence in television.
Since then, Alexander has gradually shifted toward independent films and darker genres with greater psychological depth,
most notably her role as Hannah in Primate.
In the near future, she is set to appear in the series Amadeus and alongside
Evan Peters and Anthony Ramos in Ryan Murphy’s horror series
The Beauty on FX.
