THE newest SERIES from the Planet of the Apes universe, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024) appears as a complementary film following the latest trilogy which was released in 2011–2017. The last two films in the trilogy have a deep impression of a post-apocalyptic world when apes and humans are faced with a crisis point.
Director Matt Reeves, through Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) and its sequel War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) succeeded in making these two films into a complete work. The technology, depth of story, and emotional side attached to the characters make the last two films have a strong position in this franchise.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes directed by Wes Ball (Maze Runner). After Caesar died and found a new place for his people which became the conclusion of the film trilogy, this scene was taken and continued as the opening scene of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. After that, the story is completely different and new.
The world and characters in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes are far from the last film in the trilogy. The post-Caesar apes have regenerated and are now forming their own clans. Ape, dominate. Meanwhile humans are rare creatures. Apes are becoming more and more like humans and vice versa.
Noa (Owen Teague), a young monkey, son of the leader of the Eagle clan who lives in the mountains, must face his nightmare. His clan’s settlement was destroyed by another Ape clan who was forming his kingdom, Proximus. Noa’s relatives and friends were taken by the Monkey Proximus to the coast, where they settled.
He also goes on a journey to find and bring his clan home. On his journey, he meets Raka (Peter Macon), the only orangutan who practices Caesar’s true teachings. Noa and Raka were also followed by Nova (Freya Allan). The name Nova itself was actually taken by Raka from a story regarding Caesar who also named humans with that name.
Also read: The Boogeyman Presents the Darkness of Terrifying Monster Horror
The three of them go on an adventure to find Proximus. Proximus, is a fake King who claims to practice the values taught by Caesar but it turns into dogma. He became a tyrant in the new world. Employing monkeys from other clans for the benefit of the kingdom he built.
Ape vs Human Crisis
The emotional side of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is not as deep as what Reeves left in the last two films of the trilogy. The depth of emotion in the last two films in the trilogy is actually also due to how at that time the Apes had to face humans who threatened their survival.
The crisis point created by placing apes versus humans. The persona of Caesar, played by Andy Serkis, as well as supporting characters such as Maurice (Karin Konoval) and even the antagonist Koba (Toby Kebbell) provide a layer of intrigue that allows the audience to empathize.
Also read: Challengers Film Review: Sex, Love Triangles, and Luca Guadagnino’s Tie Break Drama
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes does ‘get rid of’ this emotional side. This film seems to be returning to the starting point so that the audience can invest in the story as well as the expansion of the new characters. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes puts it no longer Apes versus humans but Apes versus Apes, which is not much different from humans.
This film also echoes the sound of history repeating itself. What Proximus did, by obscuring Caesar’s values, became legend and myth, just like humans in the past. When humans become tyrants and occupy other groups.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is currently showing on the Indonesian cinema network.
(Z-9)
#showing #cinemas #synopsis #review #film #Kingdom #Planet #Apes
