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In ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes‘, the narrative takes a bold leap into the future, 300 years after the viral outbreak that reshaped the world, granting apes intelligence while devastating the human population. This sequel introduces a fresh ensemble of characters navigating the remnants of what was once the United States of America. Despite the centuries that have passed since the demise of Caesar, the formidable ape leader who spearheaded the revolution for ape freedom, his legacy endures in the tales circulating among apes like Noa (portrayed by Owen Teague), the newest addition to the Planet of the Apes saga.

Noa, a chimpanzee born in the generations following Caesar’s era, resides with his parents in the oasis originally established by the revered Caesar almost three centuries ago. Immersed in the traditions upheld by their forebears, Noa’s clan preserves the essence of ape culture passed down through the ages.

Reflecting on the previous trilogy comprising ‘Rise‘, ‘Dawn‘, and ‘War of the Planet of the Apes‘, the narrative unveils a post-apocalyptic landscape where the apes have emerged victorious, solidifying their dominance over the planet. With Caesar’s poignant demise in ‘War for the Planet of the Apes‘ in 2017, the torch is metaphorically passed to characters like Noa, who struggles with the weight of continuing Caesar’s legacy amidst unforeseen challenges.

Noa, a member of the tranquil Eagle Clan, engages in falconry with golden eagles, embodying a harmonious existence shielded from the knowledge of humanity’s reduced state as mute beings. Accompanied by Raka (played by Peter Macon), an orangutan committed to upholding Caesar’s teachings through oral tradition, Noa embarks on a transformative journey that challenges preconceived notions about human-ape dynamics.

(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.

Central to the narrative is the profound theme of honoring Caesar’s memory and principles, encapsulated in the mantra “ape not kill ape“. Through Raka’s guidance, Noa learns the value of compassion towards humans, reflecting the vision of peaceful coexistence that Caesar envisioned for their species.

As the film contemplates the potential for harmony between humans and apes with parallel levels of intelligence, it prompts viewers to ponder the enduring question of whether history will repeat itself with one faction dominating the other or if a newfound equilibrium can be achieved.

This review will omit spoilers from ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes’, but this film questions us to consider the possibilities of a future where understanding and cooperation transcend the barriers of the past, echoing the timeless inquiry posed in the original ‘Planet of the Apes‘ film.

In essence, ‘Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes‘ serves as a thought-provoking exploration of resilience, compassion, and the enduring quest for coexistence in a world where intelligence is no longer a dividing factor but a bridge towards a shared future between man, ape and possibly other forms of intelligence (tech).

Kindgom of Planet of the Apes is dominating theaters May 10th