Primal: Tales of Savagery

Primal: Tales of Savagery, released in 2019, is an animated representation of the purest form of visceral storytelling, capable of evoking deep emotive responses not only from its exceedingly detailed visual composition, but also highlighted by its minimal use of dialogue.

This film marks the direction of multiple Emmy award-winning animator and creator Genndy Tartakovsky, well known for his past works such as "Dexter's Laboratory", "Samurai Jack", and "Star Wars: Clone Wars." Voiced by Aaron LaPlante and Jon Olson, Primal: Tales of Savagery treads through the savage landscape of prehistoric times, painting the dawn of civilization in the stark shades of man's primitive instincts and compelling survival tactics.

In the thick of the primordial wilderness, the movie guides audiences along the perilous journey of two unlikely comrades – a feral caveman named Spear, and a ferocious dinosaur coined Fang. While being at odds with each other initially due to their survival instincts, harsh similarities in their circumstances bind them together. Through survival, pain, and primal instincts, Primal: Tales of Savagery beautifully captures an unexpected comradeship rooted in the cruelty of nature and the protagonist's desperate fight for survival.

Spear, voiced by Aaron LaPlante, is shown as a powerful yet grieving primitive man ripped from his family's bosom by a horrific incidence of nature, while Fang, on the fragile precipice between maternal love and scarcity, mirrors the often brutal and ruthless facets of life. The narrative primarily relies on their interactions rather than spoken words, making it a compelling visual spectacle that narrates a story of connection, survival, and basic human emotion.

The film's distinction lies in its triumph to strike a balance between remorseless savagery and compassionate humanity. The animation style is raw, with grainy backdrops, and sharp, gnarly lines depicting the primal world ravaged by survival of the fittest. Nonetheless, the movie is not entirely shrouded in darkness. Lighter moments offer respite from the ruthless survival theme and add depth to the character of Spear and Fang, portraying them as more than just thoughtless killing machines.

As Tartakovsky's canvas unfolds, the vivid and intense animation amplifies the numerous face-offs between our duo and other savage creatures of the time. The dynamic role of action in the movie, intricately choreographed and visually stunning, is a testament to the beautifully gruesome and astonishing rawness of our primitive past. The lack of dialogue only amplifies the emotive power of these sequences. Packed with the tension of survival and littered with moments of empathy and friendship, this film is a visceral roller-coaster ride through a time long past.

Moreover, the aural aspect of the film cannot be understated. Despite the scarce dialogue, the film isn't silent. Aboriginal grunts, roars of dinosaurs, and the ambient sounds of nature form an enveloping soundscape that transcends the need for spoken language. Music, suspenseful and mighty, surges during action sequences, imbuing the scenes with a primal, instinctive vigor that complements the visual tenor.

Primal: Tales of Savagery is, at its core, an eloquent depiction of the elemental facets of life, death, friendship, and survival. The gruesome beauty of its animation, partnered with its raw and potent storyline, makes it a visual masterpiece. Tartakovsky's unique storytelling style, which leans heavily on gritty visual narratives and skillful sound design, seamlessly merges with the primal instincts and primitive natural laws depicted in the film.

For viewers who appreciate thoughtful, visually expressive narratives that test the boundaries of the traditional viewer experience, Primal: Tales of Savagery offers a stirring exploration of our ancestral roots and the fury of nature that forged the path of modern civilization.