Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes swings back onto the big screen, this time set centuries after Caesar’s revolution. Apes now rule, with various societies scattered across the landscape. We follow Noa (Owen Teague), a young chimpanzee from the peaceful Eagle Clan, whose life is upended when a brutal ape leader, Proximus Caesar (Kevin Durand), enslaves his people. Thrown together with a mysterious human woman named Mae (Freya Allan), Noa embarks on a quest for freedom that forces him to confront the past and forge a new future.
Director Wes Ball, known for the Maze Runner series, injects the film with thrilling action sequences. The ape-on-ape combat is brutal and visceral, reminiscent of battles in Rise of the Planet of the Apes. However, the plot feels derivative at times, borrowing heavily from classic post-apocalyptic tropes. The “chosen one” narrative treads familiar ground, and some character motivations could have been fleshed out more.
The creation of its world is where Kingdom truly excels. The ape societies are diverse and intriguing, with the Eagle Clan’s reverence for nature in stark contrast to Proximus Caesar’s militaristic regime. The film cleverly avoids getting bogged down in exposition, letting the visuals speak volumes. The sweeping landscapes and ape cities are beautifully rendered, with a muted colour palette emphasising the harsh realities of this dystopian world. The special effects, particularly the performance capture, are seamless, making the apes fully believable characters.
The performances are generally strong. Teague portrays Noa’s innocence and determination with a sincerity that anchors the film. Allan is a captivating presence as Mae, her character shrouded in secrets that keep us guessing. However, some of the supporting cast fall victim to underdeveloped roles, particularly Proximus Caesar, who feels more like a generic villain than a complex threat.
The score by John Paesano is effective, using pulsating rhythms to heighten the tension during action sequences and melancholic strings to underscore the film’s emotional core. The editing is efficient, maintaining a brisk pace that keeps the story moving. But at times, it feels like the film prioritises action over character development, leaving some emotional beats unearned.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is a visually stunning film with a compelling central performance by Teague. However, a predictable plot and underdeveloped characters hold it back from reaching the heights of its predecessors. Fans of the franchise will likely enjoy the return to this world, but those looking for a truly groundbreaking story might be left wanting. With a more nuanced script, Kingdom could have been a roar; instead, it’s a respectable, if uninspired, sequel.