The film focuses on Will Rodman (James Franco), a scientist working on a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Will’s experiments involve testing a drug called ALZ-112 on chimpanzees, which enhances their cognitive abilities. One of the test subjects, Bright Eyes, exhibits remarkable intelligence but goes on a violent rampage, leading to the termination of the project.
Unknown to the research team, Bright Eyes had given birth to a baby chimpanzee named Caesar (Andy Serkis), who inherited heightened intelligence due to the drug. Will decides to raise Caesar as his own after realizing the potential of ALZ-112.
The climax of the film occurs when Caesar, having grown into an exceptionally intelligent and emotionally complex ape, is placed in a primate shelter. There, he experiences the harsh treatment of other captive apes and decides to lead a revolution for their freedom.
As Caesar gains followers among the apes, he orchestrates their escape and forms a new society in the Muir Woods. The conflict intensifies as the apes clash with the humans, and a global pandemic breaks out, inadvertently caused by the ALZ-113, a more potent version of the drug.
The movie explores themes of intelligence, freedom, and the consequences of scientific experimentation. Caesar becomes a symbol of rebellion, leading the apes to establish their dominance over humanity.
The film concludes with Caesar declaring that “apes together strong,” hinting at the inevitable rise of the apes as the dominant species on Earth.
“Rise of the Planet of the Apes” received widespread critical acclaim for its compelling narrative, groundbreaking visual effects, and Andy Serkis’s performance as Caesar. The film successfully revitalized the “Planet of the Apes” franchise and set the stage for subsequent sequels.