This is a frankly astonishing movie. Not only does the story invoke genuine tension regarding the health and well-being of talking monkeys*, but also deftly holds a mirror to humanity and ably demonstrates the inevitable outcome of fear and hatred. It does all this without being even remotely preachy about it, which even lauded and “worthy” Hollywood fare often cannot avoid.
Then, just to top it off (and almost for fun), the main cast of characters are rendered in entirely believable CGI, captured using a revolutionary technique.
The fact that the sources of this fear and hatred are so recognisable today (2024), just elevates the whole thing even further.
★★★★★