Primal

Frank Walsh boards the ship carrying a rare white jaguar intended for transport to the United States. This journey is complicated by the presence of a notorious criminal, Richard Loffler, who is being escorted by the FBI.

The white jaguar, captured by Frank, is seen as an evil spirit by the local villagers. Frank intends to auction the rare animal for a million dollars, disregarding the villagers' beliefs and the jaguar's endangered status.

During a meal in the ship's cafeteria, Dr. Ellen Taylor urges Frank to reconsider his plan and to turn the jaguar over to the endangered species bureau. She emphasizes the importance of protecting such rare creatures rather than capitalizing on them.

Richard Loffler fakes a seizure, using the distraction to kill his guards and escape confinement. This development creates chaos on the ship, putting everyone in danger as he begins to enact his plans.

In a calculated move, Loffler frees some of Frank's captured animals, including aggressive monkeys. The unleashed animals create havoc on the ship, attacking the crew members and complicating the already dangerous situation.

Loffler uses a stolen radio to mock Frank, revealing they share a military background. He expresses bitterness over how the military trained him as an assassin and later discarded him, further complicating their conflict.

As Loffler continues his rampage, he sabotages the ship by stopping the water pumps and unleashing venomous snakes. This swift action increases his control over the vessel and instills fear among the crew.

In a shocking turn of events, Loffler eliminates John Ringer and most of the FBI agents aboard. This escalates the tension on the ship as Frank is left to confront the dire situation with little support.

Paul Freed is exposed as an insider working with Loffler, feeding him vital information. This betrayal adds another layer of danger for Frank, who must now deal with both Loffler and an insider threat.

Loffler impersonates Ringer to trick the Coast Guard into assisting him, showcasing his cunning nature. This act not only highlights his desperation but also increases the stakes for Frank as time runs out.

The confrontation reaches a climax when Frank discovers that Loffler has taken Ellen hostage. This development forces Frank to act quickly, balancing the lives at stake with his own mission.

In a fierce battle, Frank and Loffler engage in a struggle that results in injuries for both. Frank must rely on his instincts and expertise to turn the tide against the more experienced criminal.

Using a neurotoxin dart, Frank successfully incapacitates Loffler, securing his capture in a noose. This marks a turning point in the conflict, leading to a sense of triumph for Frank despite the chaos.

In a symbolic act of retribution, Frank releases the white jaguar against Loffler. This final act serves as a poignant reminder of the jaguar's power and nature's retribution against those who exploit it.

As the Coast Guard arrives, the captain questions the animal transport permits. Ellen cleverly covers for Frank by claiming that Loffler destroyed the paperwork, ensuring their escape and shielding Frank from the chaos that transpired.