Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes Review: A Kingdom Forged in Chaos

The legacy of the Planet of the Apes franchise continues to evolve with the release of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, directed by Wes Ball. This fourth instalment in the reboot series, released in 2024, takes place decades after the events of “War for the Planet of the Apes.” While the shadow of Caesar, the iconic ape leader, still looms large, Kingdom carves its own path, introducing a new generation of characters and conflicts.

A World Reclaimed by Nature

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Image credit: 20th Century Studios

The film’s greatest strength lies in its visual presentation. Decades have passed since the Simian Flu decimated humanity, and nature has aggressively reclaimed its dominion. Towering skyscrapers lie half-buried in verdant foliage, their metallic skeletons contrasting with the vibrant greens and browns of the encroaching forest. This world-building is exceptional, immersing the viewer in a post-human Earth that is both familiar and alien.

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Image credit: 20th Century Studios

The apes themselves are a marvel of motion-capture technology. Gone are the days of Charlton Heston’s rubber masks; here, the apes display a nuanced range of emotions through their expressive eyes and subtle facial movements. Particular praise goes to Owen Teague, who delivers a captivating performance as Noa, a young chimpanzee thrust into a world of violence and forced to confront his destiny.

A Journey of Discovery

Image credit: 20th Century Studios
Image credit: 20th Century Studios

Noa’s journey forms the core of the narrative. Living within the peaceful Eagle Clan, he is mentored by his father, Kora, and dreams of becoming a skilled hunter. However, his idyllic life is shattered by the arrival of a ruthless ape faction led by the tyrannical Proximus Caesar, a descendant of the original Caesar. Proximus’ violent regime clashes with the Eagle Clan’s values, setting the stage for a conflict that forces Noa to flee for his life.

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Image credit: 20th Century Studios

During his escape, Noa encounters an unexpected companion – Mae, a human woman who has survived the Simian Flu. Their initial distrust evolves into a fragile alliance, each character offering a unique perspective on the world. Noa grapples with his newfound understanding of humans, while Mae struggles to adapt to a world ruled by apes.

Spectacle and Substance

Image credit: 20th Century Studios

The film delivers when it comes to action. Noa and Mae find themselves embroiled in thrilling chase sequences and brutal hand-to-hand combat scenes. The motion-capture technology shines here, allowing for realistic and dynamic action choreography that showcases the apes’ agility and strength.

However, Kingdom aspires to be more than just a popcorn flick. The film explores themes of legacy, leadership, and the fragile coexistence between different species. The shadow of Caesar’s ideals looms large over the narrative, as characters grapple with the lessons of the past. Noa specifically embodies the question of whether Caesar’s vision of peace can survive in a new generation facing new challenges.

Echoes of the Past, Seeds of the Future

Image credit: 20th Century Studios

While the film’s thematic exploration is commendable, it doesn’t quite reach the emotional resonance of its predecessors, particularly “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.” The bond between Noa and Mae, while central to the plot, doesn’t have the same emotional payoff as the relationship between Caesar and Koba in “Dawn.” This may leave some viewers yearning for a deeper exploration of the characters’ emotional journeys.

Despite this, Kingdom leaves the door wide open for future instalments. The introduction of human survivors within the narrative adds a new layer of complexity to the ape society. Will humans and apes be able to coexist peacefully, or will conflict inevitably arise?

Is Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes A Worthy Successor?

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Image credit: 20th Century Studios

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is a visually stunning and action-packed film that successfully expands the franchise’s universe. The performances are impressive, particularly Owen Teague’s portrayal of Noa. While the emotional depth may not be on par with some of the previous films, Kingdom offers a thought-provoking exploration of legacy, leadership, and inter-species coexistence. Ultimately, it leaves the audience eager to see where this new chapter in the Planet of the Apes saga will lead.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is showing now in cinemas across Malaysia.

Like this review? You can also check out our previous review of “The First Omen” right here.

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