Since Charlton Heston first gazed upon the remnants of the Statue of Liberty on a sandy beach 56 years ago, the “Planet of the Apes” movies have remained popular. Their appeal is the opportunity to explore complex characters and social issues within the franchise’s allegorical representation of our world. They’re not escapism, but reflection.
Left for dead, Noa sets off alone in the hope of rescuing his loved ones. It’s a classic hero’s journey as the young naïf leaves home and learns the harsh truth about the world. He connects with a guide along the way, Raka , a wise orangutan who teaches him the legend of Caesar and a message of unity among apes. When a feral human girl tags along, Raka encourages Noa to show her compassion — she’s just a dumb human after all.