Find another title

Animal Kingdom: Let's Go Ape
2015
TV-PGDirector
Jamel Debbouze
Runtime
91 minutes
Average Rating
No ratings yetSynopsis
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.
Where to Watch
Diversity & Representation
Overall Score
Fair
Category Breakdown
LGBTQ+ Representation
The film focuses on the biological origins of humanity and social bonds. While it lacks explicit queer identities, the search for true humanity suggests potential for diverse social connections beyond instinctual mating.
Gender Representation
The story disrupts traditional hierarchies by centering on Edward, an outcast. His survival relies on intellect and resourcefulness rather than the brute strength typically associated with masculine dominance.
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Using species as a metaphor, the film bypasses traditional racial categories. This approach allows for a deconstruction of tribalism and the mechanics of 'othering' within early social structures.
Religious & Cultural Diversity
The narrative critiques restrictive tribal institutions that enforce conformity. Edward’s journey promotes secular humanism and empathy, prioritizing individual morality over violent, established traditions.
Disability Representation
Edward’s status as an ejected tribe member serves as a proxy for those who do not fit dominant norms. His survival highlights the value of alternative modes of interaction.
Strengths
- Challenges traditional masculine archetypes by valuing intellect over brute strength.
- Uses species-based metaphors to effectively deconstruct tribalism and 'othering'.
- Promotes progressive values of empathy and secular humanism over violent tradition.
Areas for Improvement
- 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.
AI Analysis
The film uses a prehistoric setting to challenge the 'survival of the fittest' trope. 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.
Rate this Movie
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.