“Apes and humans are alike in that they have a deep desire to explore,” says actor Nick Thurston, who embodies one of our evolutionary cousins in Primrose, by Californian filmmaker Clara Aranovich. “Once the framework had been established, I found I was able to call upon the character at will,” he says. Shot at the Primrose Campground near Alaska’s Kenai Lake, the unconventional tale of cross-species friendship brings together two characters that are worlds (and evolutionary stages) apart.

Known for Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, in which he plays the role of Blue Eyes, a genetically advanced chimpanzee inhabiting a post-apocalyptic world ruled by apes, for this short San Francisco-born Thurston shed his CGI-enhanced hair suit and once more summoned his inner beast.

What is the most unexpected thing you've learnt about apes? 
Nick Thurston: I watched a documentary about these chimpanzees that were trapped in small pockets of forest, unable to cross a vast plain to meet with other groups. One ape, drawn by whatever mysterious compulsion it is that brings us to explore the unknown, set off alone into the plains. She seemed determined to see what was out there.

What's your mating ritual?
NT: Depends on the girl, doesn't it? I've always liked things a little... messy.

Man vs. Ape: which do you side with?
NT: Well humans are the keepers of the planet. So we’re in charge but it's also up to us to keep it around.