Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

The latest in this solid franchise is another worthy, transporting entry

The recent Planet of the Apes films have been among the more contemplative blockbuster franchises in recent memory. What began as pure popcorn entertainment with Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) evolved into a reflective study of what it means to be human. With War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) delivering a satisfying conclusion to an incredibly solid trilogy, it was natural to be skeptical when a new film—helmed by a different creative team—was announced.

Set centuries after the last installment, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024) depicts a world reclaimed by nature, where only the faint outlines of fallen skyscrapers and beached cargo ships hint at what came before. The story follows Noa (Owen Teague), a young ape from a peaceful clan. When his village is destroyed by a violent group of apes, Noa embarks on a quest for revenge, crossing paths with the wise orangutan Raka (Peter Macon) and the silent human Nova (Freya Allan) along the way.

Director Wes Ball, known for his work on the lackluster Maze Runner films, surprises with Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, delivering an astoundingly strong entry in this unexpectedly resilient franchise. The film’s focus on character-driven storytelling and an episodic, picaresque structure immerses viewers in its world. Instead of relying on clunky exposition, Ball trusts the audience’s curiosity, allowing cultural customs and societal dynamics to unfold naturally.

At over two and a half hours, the film never drags. Ball keeps the narrative moving while taking the time to develop his characters. Noa’s journey follows a classic hero’s arc, but the supporting cast is given just as much depth. However, as with previous Apes films, the human element remains the weakest aspect. A key subplot involving the humans is introduced too late in the story, making it difficult for viewers to invest in it. In contrast, Ball ensures that every moment spent establishing the apes’ relationships feels essential. Decades’ worth of bonds and betrayals are conveyed through just a few scenes and gestures, heightening the emotional stakes of Noa’s revenge quest, which proves far more unpredictable and unforgiving than expected for a mainstream blockbuster.

The film also serves as a timely reflection on the dangers of distorting history to serve ideology. The legacy of Caesar, the protagonist of the previous Apes films, is weaponized by an exploitative elite who transform him into a Christ-like figure to manipulate the masses. This exploration of power, religion, and historical revisionism is strikingly relevant, offering viewers a neutral perspective on how easily charlatans can claim authority through deception. It’s a far deeper thematic examination than one might anticipate from a “talking monkeys movie.”

The cast carries the heavy responsibility of bringing simian characters to life while delivering rich, layered performances. Teague is outstanding in the lead role, fully inhabiting Noa’s emotional growth and internal dilemmas to the point where you stop seeing the CGI and simply see the character. Likewise, Macon and Kevin Durand (as the film’s villain) deliver scene-stealing performances. Allan, as the primary human character, is largely relegated to a silent plot device, much like her role in The Witcher (2019–). Her storyline never fully develops, which ultimately weakens Noa’s internal conflict.

The advancements in motion-capture technology over the last decade are astonishing. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes makes it easy to forget that every ape on screen is CGI. Halfway through a battle sequence set in water, I suddenly remembered that the wet, matted fur was entirely computer-generated—an impressive testament to the film’s visual craftsmanship.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is the kind of ambitious, character-driven blockbuster that studios seem increasingly hesitant to make. It blends action, character depth, high-stakes storytelling, and thoughtful social commentary into a remarkably well-executed film. While an intrusive human subplot slightly derails the crucial third act, Ball proves that with strong writing and a clear vision, even the longest-running franchises can still evolve in fresh and compelling ways.

7.9/10