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Action Cult Classic

A private detective battles a deadly corporate secret in a future where science burns out of control.

PRIMAL SCREAM

An Extra-Terrestrial Energy Source... A Deadly Cover-Up... The Future of Mankind Hangs in the Balance.

1988 · 1h 29m · NR · Action / Crime / Horror / Science Fiction · IMDB TMDB

In the future, a private detective tries to stop a large corporation from mining an element whose side effects include igniting human flesh and destroying internal body parts.

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Quick Answer

What is Primal Scream about?

Primal Scream is a 1988 United States action, crime, horror, and science fiction film directed by William J. Murray about a private detective trying to stop a corporation from mining a dangerous chemical element whose side effects are fatal.

Programmer's Pick

If your idea of the future involves Deloreans, deadly science, and a detective who won’t quit, Primal Scream has your number. It’s industrial-strength indie cinema, complete with burning flesh and a villainous corporation that puts profit over people.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Set in a futuristic world, Primal Scream follows private detective Corby McHale as he investigates a powerful corporation's risky pursuit of a newly discovered chemical element. The element’s extraction promises profit, but its side effects are catastrophic, causing spontaneous combustion and internal destruction in humans. Facing off against corporate greed and the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition, McHale navigates a landscape where technology, crime, and body horror blend. The film leans into its independent roots with a noir-tinged detective at the center, and a premise that pits human survival against corporate indifference and a science experiment gone lethally wrong.

Details & Specs

Director
William J. Murray
Writers
William J. Murray, David di Pietro, Daniel Smeddy
Release
1988
Runtime
1h 29m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Genres
Action, Crime, Horror, Science Fiction
Also Known As
Hellfire

Cast & Crew

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Director: William J. Murray Writers: William J. Murray +2 more
Kenneth McGregor Kenneth McGregor Corby McHale SM Sharon Mason Samantha Keller JM Julie Miller Caitlin Foster JM Jon Maurice Captain Frank Gitto JW Joseph White Nicky Fingers Mickey Shaughnessy Mickey Shaughnessy Charlie Waxman SC Stephen Caldwell Olan Robert Foster EF Edward Fallon Dr. Charles Kesselman VN Vivian Nothaft Dirty Mary ML Michael Laird O.E. Carp SE Stephen Emhe L&E Officer Burman RH Ryn Hodes Lisa MH Morton Hodge Anton Kirar JA Jerry Albert Vice President Clarke SL Steve Langone Boyle

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Why Cult

Futuristic Private Eye

Follow a classic hardboiled detective as he navigates the dangers of a corporate-controlled future.

Deadly Chemical Element

The mining of a new element with horrifying side effects adds a fresh, gruesome angle to sci-fi horror.

Corporate Greed Gone Wrong

A ruthless corporation’s pursuit of profit turns into a body-melting catastrophe.

Independent '80s Sci-Fi

This film delivers a gritty, low-budget take on future noir with all the genre trimmings.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Mining a new chemical element

Threat

Deadly chemical element

Effect

Ignites human flesh and destroys internal organs

Setting

Futuristic corporate-controlled world

Questions from the Vault

When was Primal Scream released? +

Primal Scream was released in 1988.

Who directed Primal Scream? +

William J. Murray directed Primal Scream.

How long is Primal Scream? +

Primal Scream has a runtime of 89 minutes.

What genre is Primal Scream? +

Primal Scream is an action, crime, horror, and science fiction film.

Where can I watch Primal Scream? +

Primal Scream is available to watch on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips

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