This compelling addition to the franchise may fall slightly short of the remarkable standard set by its predecessors. However, it more than compensates with a narrative filled with palpable tension, heightening the stakes in a world where the tension between humans and apes is palpable.
Set generations after Caesar’s death, Noa is introduced as the new protagonist. Noa is not just a character but a person struggling with the weight of Caesar’s legacy, which makes the audience feel the weight of the narrative. The film explores a world where humans struggle to survive under the rule of apes. Primates, now rulers, have distorted Caesar’s true principles and motivations.
Noa is a determined and likable hero who sets out on a journey to rescue his clan from the tyrant Proximus Caesar. Although he lacks the nuanced complexity of Caesar, his journey forms the heart of the narrative. Throughout his adventure, he is accompanied by the wise old orangutan scholar Raka, who follows the word of Caesar to the letter, and the enigmatic Nova. Together, they confront the echoes of a world that Noa doesn’t fully understand, making this a classic coming-of-age story with themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the struggle between good and evil.
Noa is forced to flee his home after his father is murdered and his clan is enslaved. Noa joins hands with Mae, a young human who, unlike most of her species, can speak, reason, and plot against their ape oppressors. Mae’s unique abilities and determination play a crucial role in the plot, adding depth to the narrative.
The film, while it may seem a bit lengthy to some viewers, does a great job of giving enough time to connect to the new protagonist. Some lengthy conversations could have been avoided, but they are worth it. Director Wes Ball excels at building an emotional connection to the new characters and maintaining an emotional essence towards Caesar’s legacy, making the audience feel more invested in the story. The visuals in this story are stunning, with nature aggressively reclaims abandoned human spaces. Tower blocks jut out like broken teeth, and the decaying carcass of a container ship is a haunting reminder of the world that was.
Watch the Official Final Trailer ‘Kingdom of The Planet of The Apes’:
