The famous Planet of the Apes saga returns with a new opus, The New Kingdom, directed by Wes Ball, already known for the Labyrinth trilogy. This science-fiction film follows in the footsteps of the cult franchise, which began in 1968, and plunges viewers into a post-apocalyptic universe where apes have taken over and humans survive on the bangs.
The various trailers reveal a dark, immersive atmosphere, blending action, drama and suspense, confirming the ambitious direction given to this new era of the franchise.
Planet of the Apes: The New Kingdom will be available on Disney+ from October 10, 2025.
The plot takes place several generations after Caesar's reign. The central character, Noa, a young ape, embarks on a journey of initiation that challenges the established order. Humans, now reduced to the wild, live on the bangs of a primate-dominated society. The film explores themes of tyranny,identity and collective destiny.
Since its first installment in 1968, Planet of the Apes has undergone several landmark adaptations, accumulating over $1.7 billion at the global box office. Each new opus has pushed back the boundaries of science fiction in cinema, through its political, social and philosophical reflections. The New Kingdom continues this legacy with a darker, more introspective approach.
Wes Ball 's direction relies on grandiose natural settings and advanced motion capture technologies. The visual aesthetic highlights lush nature and a fallen human civilization, reinforcing the story's immersive, post-apocalyptic dimension.
Our opinion on the film Planet of the Apes: The New Kingdom
Planet of the Apes: The New Kingdom, directed by Wes Ball, continues the long tradition of the famous franchise that explored the complex dynamics between humans and primates. This new iteration takes place several generations after Caesar's era, in a world where the roles between humans and apes have been radically reversed.
The film introduces us to Noa, a young ape who, faced with a new tyrannical leader, embarks on a perilous journey that leads him to question established truths and make decisions crucial to the future of both species. This initiatory quest is not just an adventure, but a powerful vehicle for reflection on themes such as power, freedom and survival.
Wes Ball has succeeded in magnifying the story with a striking visual universe, where luxuriant nature reclaims its rights over a ruined human civilization. This aesthetic is not just a visual delight; it reinforces the themes of renewal and natural domination. Motion capture techniques, inherited fromAndy Serkis, reach a new dimension of realism, bringing to life ape characters of remarkable expressiveness.
The performances, particularly those ofOwen Teague and Freya Allan, are convincing, making the characters both endearing and complex. Their ability to convey deep emotions through the technological mask of "performance capture" is one of the film's strong points.
Planet of the Apes: The New Kingdom is a seductive film for both its narrative and visual ambition. We appreciate both the continuity with previous opuses and the evolution of the franchise, notably in the way the film tackles philosophical and societal questions through the prism of inter-species relations. Can humans and primates live together in harmony in a peaceful world?
In terms of engagement, the film excels with its moments ofhumor and emotion, particularly in the interactions between the apes. However, certain aspects of the script may seem predictable or drawn-out, and familiarity with the previous films is a plus to fully appreciate the subtleties of the story.
Planet of the Apes: The New Kingdom is a robust, dizzying sci-fi film that manages to be both entertaining and thought-provoking. It stands out for its technical prowess and its ability to make viewers think about universal themes, making it a worthy addition to the franchise. It's a film that, despite a few long takes, manages to captivate and offer a bold, thoughtful vision of thedystopian future originally imagined by the saga.
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