“For Caesar!” These words, bellowed by a dominating Gorilla early in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, make clear the intention and desire of the ape and his clan. Yet the actions of these apes don’t look much at all like the measured, wise, and often sacrificial actions of Andy Serkis’s Caesar we grew to know and love over the first three films of this rebooted series.
The timeline for Kingdom takes place many generations after the time of Caesar. Things have changed drastically over the years, but in other ways they haven’t changed at all. The silence of the apes from Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011) has been exchanged for the silence of the humans (or “echos”) in Kingdom, as the power dynamic has shifted fully. But the hostility between these two groups remains fully intact. Both strive for the flourishing of their own and even potential allies are never fully trusted when the two come face to face.
But the hostility isn’t only between species. It’s between clans and families—a reminder that the problems “out there” are also “in here.” This is emphasized by the reality that Caesar’s name has been remembered and honored throughout the generations, but his heart and intention have been lost. As we observe the current world of the apes, a mirror is held up to the audience, reminding us that the problems “out there” are also “in here.”
What isn’t faithfully carried on is lost. It has been many generations since the time of Caesar, but loss of a legacy doesn’t require that long. Without care and faithfulness, we leave behind that which is vital and pass on that which those we claim to honor wouldn’t recognize.
But what has been mired and muddled isn’t necessarily gone forever. Those in the present moment have the opportunity to remember, instruct, and revive what has been forgotten. Ultimately, Noa is faced with his destiny and receives the opportunity to truly live and act “for Caesar.” Again the mirror turns to the audience, leaving us to decide how we will respond when faced with similar questions.
*As an aside, go see this movie in a theater (and IMAX if you can)! THIS is the reason we go to the movies. The visuals are stunning and Kingdom packs the movie magic that we love about the big screen.
This post comes to us courtesy of our friend, Brett McIntosh. Follow Brett on Letterbox’d.
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