Exclusive Interview: Benjamin Cheng on Stepping Into the Gory World of ‘Primate’ and Building ‘Quiet Company’

Horror has a way of pushing performers into raw, instinct-driven territory, and in Primate, that energy is woven into every frame. One of today’s most exciting young talents, Benjamin Cheng steps into the genre with a confident and emotionally grounded performance, bringing heart and presence to a story built around survival and fear.

Thrown into a terrifying fight for their lives, the film follows a group of friends as danger escalates and relationships are put to the test. Moving seamlessly between suspense and chaos, Primate keeps audiences locked in as its characters rely on instinct, loyalty, and quick reactions to make it through the night.

Off-screen, Benjamin brings the same intention to his creative life through Quiet Company, a guided journal centered on productivity and introspection inspired by his own journey with anxiety and self-growth. Pop Culturalist sat down with Benjamin to discuss stepping into horror, balancing adrenaline with reflection, and how his evolving craft continues to shape his path forward.

PC: What I love so much about Primate is that it feels like such a throwback to how we are supposed to experience films—collectively in a theater. Was that vision already being articulated to you as this project came across your desk? What was it about this script or character that immediately caught your eye?
Benjamin: I actually got the script really late in the process—I was one of the last roles to be cast. I found out I had the part the night before I was supposed to be on set, so I was incredibly anxious leading up to it. I remember sitting in my car, calling my agent every couple of minutes like, “Have they released it yet? Have they released it yet?” and she kept saying, “No, no, not yet.”

Then Johannes [Roberts] brought me into his office at the studio and said, “Where have you come from?” I was confused and asked what he meant, and he told me, “We’ve been looking for Nick for so long, and we just couldn’t find him.”

Because everything happened so quickly, I didn’t really have much time to sit down and read the full script beforehand. I focused on the scenes I auditioned with, but I could immediately tell it was going to be this intense chimp horror film—gory, thrilling, exciting, and scary, with that real edge-of-your-seat energy. I just trusted the process and went for it.

PC: Gory is the best way to describe this film. In addition to the work that you’ve done on screen, you’re also a writer and the founder of Quiet Company, a journal built around productivity and introspection through guided questions. That feels like such an interesting parallel to the acting process—preparing what’s on the page, but also that intersection of self-reflection and meeting the character where you are as a person and as an actor. What was it like finding that yin and yang for this role, especially given how quickly the action kicks off in the film? And how much does journaling factor into your own acting process?
Benjamin: The idea for the journal actually came after I received some bad news back in March, which was well after we had finished filming. I never originally planned on releasing it. My intention was simply to create something that would have helped me during a really difficult time in my life.

A few years ago, I went through a breakup that hit me pretty hard. I was really down and didn’t know how to pull myself out of it. I had tried using productivity journals before—ones that ask simple things like, “What are two things you’re grateful for today?”—but they never really addressed the deeper, more introspective side of what I was going through. I wanted something that could actually guide you through those tougher moments.

I actually have the journal right in front of me now, and it’s something I truly believe in. It’s not gimmicky at all—I made it because I’ve gone through my own mental health struggles with anxiety. Being on set can be a really anxiety-provoking environment, especially on that first day. Once you start getting to know everyone and understand how people work, you settle in a bit more, but that first day is always stressful—especially for me, since I was cast so late and didn’t quite know what to expect.

Nick, as a character, is this really chill, laid-back guy, which is actually quite different from me. I tend to be more intense and emotional, whereas he’s the opposite. Trying to portray this calm, relaxed version of myself while internally dealing with nerves or whatever else is going on can be challenging. The first scene I shot involved smoking a fake joint, and oddly enough, having a prop in my hand—something to focus on—really helped settle my nerves. It’s strange, but it works.

PC: That’s so interesting to hear, because there’s such a confidence that comes through in your performance—especially when you’re embodying this character. Going back to the journal, there are so many introspective questions within it. Was there one in particular you found yourself reflecting on as you stepped into the shoes of Nick, or even one you brought to Johannes since he co-wrote the script?
Benjamin: The journal is definitely very introspective, and while this horror film is filled with action and thrills, there’s also this underlying emotional layer—especially with the love interest between Nick and Hannah. When I spoke with Johannes about the character, he just said, “Nick’s a chill guy.” [laughs] And I was like, “Okay, if he’s just a chill guy, then that makes things easier.”

Like I mentioned earlier, there’s a bit of tension and a love triangle between Hannah, Lucy, and Nick, and you can really feel that energy in the scene around the fire pit. It was so interesting to play because the tension is almost hanging in the air between all of us.

Johannes actually wrote this script over twenty years ago, and he did such an incredible job with it. It’s genuinely terrifying.

PC: It keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. Nick is one of those characters who’s very protective and instinctual—especially when it comes to his group of friends. The creative team was also very intentional about incorporating as many practical effects as possible, which brings such a grounded and immersive quality for audiences. How helpful was that for you as an actor stepping into this world, especially given the heightened state these characters are in? And what was it like working with Miguel [Torres Umba], who’s absolutely terrifying?
Benjamin: Having the prosthetics, the blood—everything was real. We didn’t have to imagine anything. It was all happening right in front of us, especially with Miguel in the suit. I actually went out to dinner with him the night before, and then the next day, all you can see of him in the suit are his eyes. It was wild. The creativity from the team was incredible.

Once the cameras started rolling, he completely transformed—so ape-like, animalistic, and scary. He’s running around on all fours, and I’m just thinking, “How are you even doing that?” He must go to yoga at least five times a week. [laughs] It was insane, but also really inspiring to watch.

PC: Without giving any spoilers, there’s a lot of physicality when it comes to your dynamic with Ben. What was that preparation like?
Benjamin: I honestly didn’t realize how physical those pool scenes were going to be. I only worked on the parts I needed for the audition at first, and then I read the full script later—since I came in so late to the project, everything moved pretty quickly.

We ended up filming a few different versions of certain moments that they later pieced together in the final cut, and some things were even added after we wrapped. We went back to re-record a few elements as well. Seeing it all come together now, it’s definitely much scarier than I expected.

PC: Johannes has described this film as a love letter to the first horror movie he ever saw. Has there been a movie or another piece of art that’s had a similar impact on you and set you on this path?
Benjamin: I actually saw Wonka being filmed in the town where I went to university. Being near the set and seeing Timothée Chalamet in that environment really made me want to pursue acting.

As for a specific film that changed everything for me, I’m not sure—I tend to watch things and really absorb them. More recently, I watched Gary Oldman in Darkest Hour, and he’s just unbelievable in how completely he embodies Churchill. I’d love to do more work like that.

PC: There’s so much vulnerability that you bring to your craft and to the things you do outside of acting. We’re living in such an exciting time where we’re seeing more diverse characters who are able to simply exist within a narrative, without their identity being the sole focal point of their story. What has it meant to you to help push that progress forward? And what advice would you give Asian creatives coming up in this industry?
Benjamin: For any creator—or anyone trying to become an actor—it can feel like such a catch-22. You need an agent to get into films, and to even be on Spotlight for casting, you need all these different things lined up. It’s really difficult. In some ways, I got lucky, but I was also really pushing myself on social media at the time to promote my work because I didn’t know any other way in.

Like Johannes said, “Where have you come from?” And I think that’s because I was just putting myself out there however I could. What I’d say to other people is: if you truly love this and want to do it, put all your time and energy into it. So many of us juggle different things—I’m doing it too with the journal, a poetry book I wrote, and acting—but if there’s one thing you really want, focus on that and go all in.

Take the risk. It doesn’t matter how old you are. Ask yourself what your 85-year-old self would say—would they regret not making that decision? If the answer is yes, then do it.

To keep up with Benjamin, follow him on Instagram. Primate is in theater now.

Photo Credit: Max Bareham