You are here:

Animal Kingdom: Let's Go Ape

Animal Kingdom: Let's Go Ape

Representation Score

8.1/10

Excellent

2015

TV-PG

Director

Jamel Debbouze

Runtime

91 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

The film uses a prehistoric setting to challenge the 'survival of the fittest' cliché. By following Edward, an individual rejected by his tribe, the story critiques rigid, instinct-driven social structures in favor of intellectual and empathetic evolution. While the prehistoric context limits explicit identity-based representation, the film's thematic core focuses on deconstructing established social orders. It replaces tribalism with a narrative of individual morality and the search for true humanity. Ultimately, the work functions as a progressive exploration of how civilization moves away from oppressive, instinctual frameworks toward more sophisticated, empathetic social connections.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Animal Kingdom: Let's Go Ape have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film explores the origins of humanity and social bonds without explicitly mentioning LGBTQ+ identities. However, the quest for true humanity hints at the possibility of diverse social connections beyond basic instincts.

How does Animal Kingdom: Let's Go Ape portray gender?

Fair

The story challenges traditional gender roles by focusing on Edward, an outcast who survives through intelligence and resourcefulness rather than brute strength.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Animal Kingdom: Let's Go Ape?

Good

By using species as a metaphor, the film sidesteps traditional racial categories. This approach helps deconstruct tribalism and the mechanisms of 'othering' within early social structures.

How does Animal Kingdom: Let's Go Ape represent religion and culture?

Good

The narrative critiques strict tribal institutions that enforce conformity. Edward’s journey promotes secular humanism and empathy, emphasizing individual morality over violent traditions.

Does Animal Kingdom: Let's Go Ape include disability representation?

Fair

Edward’s status as an outcast from his tribe stands in for those who do not fit dominant norms. His survival highlights the importance of alternative ways of interacting.

Present on Screen

  • Challenges traditional masculine archetypes by valuing intelligence over brute strength.
  • Uses species-based metaphors to effectively deconstruct tribalism and 'othering'.
  • Promotes progressive values of empathy and secular humanism over violent tradition.

Limited or Absent

  • Lacks explicit, on-screen representation of specific LGBTQ+ identities.
  • Does not provide detailed depictions of neurodivergence or physical disability.
  • Relies on metaphorical rather than direct identity-based representation.

Official Synopsis

Based on the novel 'Evolution Man' by Roy Lewis, this tells the story about the first man - young Edward - to descend from apes. Edward is ejected by his tribe, but is very resourceful. He learns to walk, discovers fire, manages to hunt - and we follow him as he evolves. He has a generous nature, and search for true humanity - a world where we don't eat our fathers.

How are these scores produced? →

Where to Watch

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.