I never knew I could have more compassion for the CGI characters than the human actors, but this is what Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes manages in its runtime of just over two hours. The film carries on the legacy built on in the last three installments and crafts an oddly compelling and touching story of survival and looking past preconceived views. Directed by Wes Ball, known for his work on the Maze Runner series, this film proves to be a worthy successor to the critically acclaimed reboot trilogy helmed by Matt Reeves.
Picking up generations after the events of War for the Planet of the Apes, the Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes explores a world where the legacy of Caesar, the legendary ape leader, has become a mythical tale, interpreted differently by various ape factions. Much like we mythologize the many people of human history, the same is true for this new world of apes, each taking something different from the teachings of the past and twisting them into their own wants and desires.
Ball takes his time establishing this new status quo, immersing the audience in a richly detailed and visually breathtaking post-apocalyptic landscape, one that is positively stunning, giving the urban decay a look of melancholy beauty. It is so well blended into the story and visuals that it is sometimes hard to tell the base structure being explored, showing just how civilization can be built on the ashes of the past in new and innovative ways.
With the story set so long after the last film, long gone are most of the characters we have met in past installments, with the movie now following a young ape named Noa, played with nuance and depth by Owen Teague, as he navigates the complex political and social dynamics of the ape society. Teague’s performance is a standout, capturing the innocence, curiosity, and growing disillusionment of his character as he uncovers the truth behind the legends he’s been taught. The visuals capture the depth of his performance in a way that was remarkable, giving even the slightest glance meaning to his innermost thoughts.
Noa is not alone, with an impressive ensemble cast all lending their acting talent, making for an impressive selection, all bringing some fantastic performances. Perhaps the most hateable of the bunch is the film’s antagonist, Proximus Caesar, a figure who has twisted Caesar’s legacy for his own nefarious purposes, with Kevin Durand delivering a chilling and memorable performance. Durand’s portrayal adds a layer of menace and moral ambiguity to the film, challenging the audience’s perceptions of good and evil.
“The special effects in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes are nothing short of jaw-dropping, with Wētā Digital once again pushing the boundaries of motion capture technology.”
But despite some powerful performances, it all comes together thanks to the effects. The special effects in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes are nothing short of jaw-dropping, with Wētā FX once again pushing the boundaries of motion capture technology. I may have touched on it briefly, but that did not do it justice. The apes feel incredibly lifelike, with every facial expression and movement conveying a sense of raw emotion and authenticity. Ball’s experience with visual effects shines through as he seamlessly integrates the apes into the stunning post-apocalyptic landscapes, creating a world that feels both strikingly new and familiar.
I did not know what I expected walking into the fourth film in the franchise, but it was not the emotional gut punch Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes delivers. The script, co-written by Josh Friedman, Rick Jaffa, and Amanda Silver, delves into weighty themes of legacy, identity, and the cyclical nature of violence.
“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes touches on some heavy subjects but manages to navigate them aptly to craft something audiences can connect with, even if it is in ways they may not expect walking in.”
As Noa uncovers the truth about Caesar’s legacy and the lies that have been perpetuated, the film raises thought-provoking questions about the power of myth and the consequences of unchecked aggression. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes touches on some heavy subjects but manages to navigate them aptly to craft something audiences can connect with, even if it is in ways they may not expect walking in.
Now, that is not to say Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is perfect; while it is a strong offering, it does have a few flaws that could turn some audiences off. The film does drag a bit during its middle, taking too much time to explore the new landscape on Noa’s quest for his family. Thankfully, while the pacing may falter slightly, it establishes the new characters and setting.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes quickly finds its footing and delivers a captivating final act and a thrilling, action-packed finale. The film’s climax is a visual feast, with ape-on-ape violence that is both brutal and emotionally resonant, underscoring the tragedy of a society torn apart by conflicting ideologies. I don’t want to spoil any of the major points here, but there will be some moments that will have theatres cheering, with minor beats culminating into a fantastic final payoff.
It is hard to imagine a fourth installment being as solid as this is, but Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is a testament to the enduring power of this franchise and its ability to reinvent itself while staying true to its core themes. Ball’s direction, combined with the exceptional performances and stunning visual effects, makes for a blockbuster experience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, with the impact and characters all working together to craft an engaging and captivating experience.
Somehow, even four films deep, it still leaves the door open for further exploration of this rich and complex world. With its intriguing ending and the promise of more to come, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes solidifies the franchise’s position as one of the most consistently excellent and innovative in modern cinema, something I could not have imagined happening when they announced the first in the series over a decade ago.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is a must-see for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike. This is a film that is as much a visual spectacle as it is emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating, proving the Planet of the Apes series still has plenty of compelling stories to tell. With its impressive special effects, strong performances, and thought-provoking themes, this film is a triumph and a promising start to a new chapter in the saga. I have never been more excited to see where a franchise goes next.
