[Review] Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024): A Refreshed Continuation of a Storied Franchise

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, directed by Wes Ball, best known for directing the action-adventure Maze Runner film trilogy, marks the latest chapter in the storied Planet of the Apes reboot franchise. It is the fourth installment in the reboot and the tenth film overall.

This iteration transports viewers centuries into the future, long after the events that closed the reboot trilogy with War for the Planet of the Apes. In this future, the echoes (the name that the Apes have given to humans) of the reboot’s past blend with fresh narratives, presenting a tale that explores the evolution of myths and their role in shaping societies. The old humans in this future are like an urban legend of a lost, advanced civilisation, akin to what conspiracist theorists like to fantasise about like the ancient Mayan being aliens, except it is all real.

The movie has a compelling narrative that will keep you glued to your seat as the plot slowly unfolds. One of the most arresting feature for me was how life-like the Apes were. This latest iteration showcases some of the most advanced visual effects and motion capture technology to date, courtesy of Weta Digital.

The stunningly realistic depictions of the apes vastly enhance the believability of their world and the emotional depth of their interactions. The performance capture, in particular, stands out as actors embody their roles with a finesse that blurs the lines between digital and real, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved in sci-fi storytelling. My only complain here is that the movie can probably move along faster if the Apes can speak faster, but I understand the context of them being relatively new to language abilities.

Set in a post-apocalyptic America, the movie introduces a new set of characters including Noa, Anaya, and Soona, Apes who are members of an Eagle Clan that rears eagles for hunting. These characters live in a society where the teachings of the legendary ape Caesar still resonate, albeit fragmented and reinterpreted through generations. The film delves into themes of legacy and cultural memory, with the clan’s unique customs and their relationships with trained birds providing a fresh perspective within the franchise.

However, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes also treads familiar territory. It revisits themes of ape unity and conflict, as seen through the antagonist Proximus Caesar, who manipulates the foundational myths of ape society to consolidate power. The narrative parallels with other cinematic epics are apparent, invoking comparisons to the titular Avatar franchise in its portrayal of community and conflict. Moreover, the inclusion of a human character who bridges the worlds of apes and humans feels reminiscent of earlier series entries, serving as a narrative device to explore themes of coexistence and misunderstanding.

As is the issue with most of the later movies in a long-running franchise, it is hard to completely escape the shadow of their predecessors with something totally refreshing. The storyline will occasionally falls into predictability or to set the stage for future sequels, leaving the audience craving for more depth and less setup. Nonetheless, this latest iteration does present a fresh reset from the previous trilogy, setting the stage for more sequels to come.

Overall, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes succeeds in bringing new ideas to a classic franchise while honouring its roots. It’s a visually captivating and thoughtful addition to the Planet of the Apes series that will likely resonate with fans and newcomers alike. The film questions the power of myths and the complexities of legacy, offering a rich ground for future explorations.

The Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is rated PG13 and is now showing in Singapore cinemas.