Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

In a post-apocalyptic world where a deadly virus has ravaged the planet, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes takes place a decade after the events of Rise of the Planet of the Apes. San Francisco, once a bustling metropolis, lies in ruins, a testament to the devastating effects of the Simian Flu, a highly contagious and lethal virus that decimates the human population. As humans struggle to stay alive, a group of scientists, led by a determined and resourceful leader, Malcolm (Jason Clarke), emerges in the devastated city. Their primary goal is to reach a power plant, which they hope will provide essential electricity for their survival. However, their journey is fraught with peril, as the streets are filled with the remnants of human society – the infected, violent, and desperate. It is amidst this backdrop that the humans encounter Caesar (Andy Serkis), the intelligent and charismatic leader of the apes, who has successfully established a thriving community in the redwood forests of northern California. Caesar, once a laboratory subject, underwent a genetic mutation, allowing him to develop advanced intelligence and cognitive abilities, surpassing those of his fellow primates. He has effectively taken on a leadership role, guiding his troop, which includes his family, including his mate, Cornelia (Dylan Baker), and their son, Blue Eyes/Kai (Toby Kebbell). As humans and apes navigate their fragile coexistence, tensions begin to escalate between the two species. A particular character, Malcolm, takes a unique approach to human survival. He believes in finding ways to coexist peacefully with the apes and suggests establishing a dialogue with Caesar. Malcolm's compassionate and empathetic nature contrasts sharply with the zealous and militant views of others in the human group. This ideological divide adds an element of tension within the human ranks as they edge closer to the ape community. Meanwhile, Caesar, having established a fragile peace with both the humans and his own troop, faces challenges from within. His primary advisor, Koba (Toby Kebbell), a fiercely loyal but ruthless ape, grows increasingly disillusioned with Caesar's meek nature. Koba harbors ambitions to overthrow Caesar and forge a new path, convinced that a more militant stance is necessary to safeguard the apes' future. As Koba defies Caesar, tension heightens, and the fragile peace threatens to collapse. The confluence of events leads to a confrontation between the apes and humans, triggered by a tragic sequence of events. Malcolm's attempts to draw Caesar into peace talks yield mixed results. Although peace does seem possible, Caesar's own troop begins to question his stance. Koba takes full advantage of this and secretly orchestrates an assault on the power plant, seeking to establish the apes as the dominant species. As this ill-fated action plays out, a dreadful incident involving Malcom's son Malcolm Jr. sets the stage for a bloodbath that changes the course of human-apex relations forever. As the stakes escalate, James Franco's science team, who were working with Caesar and are in possession of information on where warheads that destroyed San Francisco are to be found, are hunted by Caesar's military troops. In one of the most spectacular scenes, Malcolm is assassinated during the skirmish. Malcolm's death serves as the catalyst for a long-brewing war between humans and the intelligent ape community. The stage is set for the eventual decline of the Simian Flu and the potential ascendancy of apes as the dominant intelligent species on the planet. Caesar, devastated by the events, grapples with guilt and doubt as the violence escalates, and war erupts between the warring parties. This internal struggle comes to a head as he sees a vision of Alfred, the chimpanzee and paternal figure from his past who, in his early days, inspired and nurtured Caesar to attain great potential. The psychological intensity rips through Caesar's conscience and, in response to numerous dire human actions in conflict which is taking the potential cause of peaceful freedom, this inner turmoil galvanizes Caesar into making choices that propel him further into the chaos as a protagonist.