Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

(L-R): Noa (played by Owen Teague), Freya Allan as Nova and Raka (played by Peter Macon) in 20th Century Studios' KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES. Photo courtesy of 20th Century Studios. © 2024 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’.
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It really is quite amazing how the Planet of the Apes motion picture franchise has evolved throughout the years, regarding what it stands for. For the original saga, the one led by Charlton Heston, stood for shock value really. Courtesy of the big reveal in the first film where we learned that Earth was Taylor’s final destination, for something had gone awry and allowed for apes rule the day, and subsequent features continued to lean into that shock value. Courtesy of nuclear surprises and time travel and a world where man and ape fought to see who the dominant species would be, and that did indeed lead to big moments and iconography that has allowed for this franchise to remain popular and of course, spawn a new series of films.

The kind, that went in a vastly different direction. For the new features have dug deep into social commentary and reflect our world through the lens of the ape, and that’s led to some fascinating stories that have explored the nature of our hubris, our hate, and our xenophobia. Along with some fascinating observations regarding our sometimes-irresponsible relationship with technology. Granted, there were hints of this in the original saga, but they never went to the lengths that the new films have gone and it would seem that this franchise won’t be letting up anytime soon in creating smarter Apes films that deeply reflect the world we live in and the problems we face. And for proof… look no further than the latest chapter in the franchise, which is in theaters now, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.

For this particular story, one set long after the events of War for the Planet of the Apes, showcases a planet where apes now rule the lands and where they are all settling into societies and ideologies that are vastly different than the world that humanity lost, and that Caesar worked to build. For some, like Noa’s clan, work toward peace and harmony with one another and with the planet they’ve been gifted. While there are others… led by the mysterious Proximus Caesar… who are eager to exert the power of ape over man. Who still roams the countryside and still causes trouble as need be, and as fate would have it, soon all three worlds will collide in an epic manner. Wherein Noa will have to choose to help, the apes that are eager to conquer the world, his own people or the mysterious humans that seem to have their own agenda.

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Which at first glance, appears to be a plot that is grounded more in a grand and sweeping epic than a story about our world and our problems. But closer inspection reveals that the world of the apes’ centuries from now, is quite close to our own. Since Proximus Caesar is a leader that reflects the old guard in our world, those folks who want a specific type of world that only benefits their own ideals and beliefs, and Noa is those of us in the middle. Who want a better way but feel outnumbered and out voiced by that all-annoying guard and the human faction here… continues to represent our hubris, and our inability to understand that change is a constant and that we must let go to move forward and all of that subtext brings forth a magnificently complex film. One that leaves us with so much to ponder upon about our world and how hard it will be to find peace in this time. 
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That makes this, perhaps the smartest film in the franchise to date, since it has never pondered upon precarious times in this manner, but it handles its observations in a powerful manner… and still finds a way to entertain. Because the epic nature of that plot, does give rise to an epic journey for Noa. One that explores a world that has forgotten humanity, and any conflict or action, which is mostly found in the third act of the feature, is equally as epic and sweeping. Courtesy of a unique setting and a unique twist involving Caesar’s intentions that leads to a finale for the ages. One that is breathtaking and poignant, and seemingly sets the stage for future films and perhaps… a reboot of the core stories that brought us to this particular point. 

But that aside, make no mistake about, this is simply an incredible and cerebral motion picture. One that does the franchise proud and takes it in a fascinating new direction. For this story expands this franchise and this universe like never before and gives us new characters to latch onto. Because everyone here, both ape and human, harbors elements we can relate to and care for, and that comes courtesy of more incredible performances. The kind that takes your breath away and sell every single emotion and the gravity of the moment. All of which brings forth a magnificent motion picture, one that has something for everyone and features a refreshing new story that informs us that this franchise still has a lot of life left in it, and it still has a lot to say. And it will be incredible to see what lessons and big moments lie ahead as we continue our journey through the Planet of the Apes.

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