This latest installment in the long-running Planet of the Apes saga is a worthy successor, featuring excellent world-building and rich allegory. It’s a stand-alone story, perfect for those who aren’t familiar with the intricacies of the franchise. Set generations after Caesar’s reign, when apes have become the dominant species and humans live in the shadows, Kingdom stars Owen Teague as Noa, a young ape from a peaceful clan.
Alongside a mysterious human named Mae (Freya Allan), Noa embarks on a perilous journey after his village is attacked by a tyrannical ape leader named Proximus Caesar (Kevin Durand). As he gets to know Mae, Noa begins to question what he’s learned about the past and ponder the future of his species.
Directed by Wes Ball (The Maze Runner), Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes uses stunning visual effects to explore timeless themes like power, identity, and coexistence, all wrapped in a post-apocalyptic setting teeming with intrigue and action.
