Film Journal 2024: Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes

Film Journal 2024: Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
Directed by Wes Ball

Set generations after the events of War, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes positions itself both directly within the timeline of the aformentioned trilogy while also establishing its own storyline.

I admit, I was very uncertain heading into this one, afraid that a new director and, on a technical front, a seemingly unnecessary reboot, would end up detracting from what is arguably one of greatest trilogies of all time. My concern proved to be unnecessary and unwarranted however, as Kjngdom not only succeeds on nearly every front, it actually finds a way to further the franchises vision and ambition. It’s a bonafide blockbuster in every sense of the word, and an undeniable thrill and technical feat. It’s also stirring and emotional, establishing a high stakes and tension filled moral tale that achieves true Biblical proportions. While references to Rome are readily apparent, Noah, the film’s central character, is also obviously intentional in its nod to the biblical story. If Ceasar stands as a Christ figure, Director Wes Ball deftly weaves that theme into parallel allusions to the Cain to Noah storyline as a way of imagining a new creation gone wrong.

An early battle scene moves us as viewers through the full gamut of emotions, establishing clear stakes and motivation for the central characters. The way it parallels the human and ape story’s is especially poetic here. From there the story only builds, bringing us into the heart of a post Ceasar world, one in which Ceasar’s name is being evoked as justification for the evils of Empire, power, and progress. It taps into the conundrum of Roman history by navigating the tensions of a promised plurality and prosperity that also demands allegiances to the hierarchy of the Roman pantheon so to speak. It is built on false promises and appeals to unity, while also existing in the face of what are very real fears and needs for preservation in an uncertain world.

Which is really where we see the complexities of the story emerge. Where it all heads is to a place of epic stakes and epic proportions. Its stunning, to be sure, the heights this thing is able to reach while feeling wholly fresh and necessary to the larger story at the same time. If it sounds like I’m gushing, its because it deserves every ounce of praise thrown its way. In retrospect, I should have had more faith in its Director, because I thought the Maze Runner films were exceptional and even underrated. This just proves the skies the limit for this young talent, and I can’t wait to see where he takes this current iteration of the familiar story.