The short film Prime is a chilling look at the concept of “you are what you eat.” Screening during Sundance’s Midnight Short Film Program, Prime tells the story of Claire, a trauma victim who joins a utopian farming community only to find she’s bitten off more than she can chew. And right from the very start, there is something utterly chilling about this community that leaves you screaming at the screen like, “RUNNNN, GIRL!”
Like I said in the headline for this review, Meagan Coyle’s debut Prime has hints of Midsommar but about food. That movie was folk horror tied with psychological horror and someone trying to find community. And every step of that movie, it felt like there was something underneath the surface that made you feel really uncomfortable. But you just couldn’t put your finger on it until the revelation came. That’s what Prime did to me.
The way that Prime sneaks in this conversation about food is also kind of brilliant. Because we are on a consistent cycle of what foods are good for us, what we should have in moderation, or what really is organic. And the most relatable part of this film are the conversations they have about food and where it comes from. But by the time you realize what this specific community dictates as being “good food,” it’s too late. And you’re left absolutely shocked by the choices that people will make for community.
Acting wise, major shout out to Katie Mumford’s Claire. There’s something sweet and charming about her that makes it easy for a viewer to invest in her. So much so that I wanted Claire to be happy even if there was something that I felt was off about this community. Also, shout out to Anita Durst who plays The mysterious community leader Rhea. The way that she manipulated Claire was grounded in the fact that these utopian communities really don’t give you a choice. And her Rhea had that edge to her that made you fear her.
Cinematography wise, I really loved the locations of Prime. It really fed into the utopian aura of it all. And I really admire how even the way that it was filmed added to the unnerving element of this short film. There was a stark contrast between the moments where Claire was on her own and when she joined the cult, because that’s what I’m going to call it. But at the heart of it, there was still this loneliness that added to the horror of the situation that Claire was in.
And if I could give any advice to someone watching Prime, it would be to stay for the after credits. Because we’ve watched movies like this, that dabble into the cannibalism of it all. But the casual nature of the conversation being had in the credits was absolutely haunting because it felt like a conversation you could have with your friend about your favorite meal or sustainability. But it’s happening in a utopian farming community. And the favorite meal and sustainability is grounded in something most of us would reel back in horror at the thought.
Prime screened at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival.
