Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014) is an American sci-fi action film directed by Matt Reeves. A decade after the deadly Simian Flu pandemic, the global human population has drastically decreased and only a small fraction are genetically immune. Human society collapsed as a result. Meanwhile, a group of apes with enhanced intelligence from the virus have settled in Muir Woods National Monument near San Francisco, led by Caesar and his lieutenants Maurice, Rocket, and Koba. Unknowingly, a team of humans led by Malcolm enter the apes’ territory in search of a hydroelectric dam to restore their community’s power in San Francisco. During an unexpected confrontation, Carver injures Ash, Rocket’s son. However, Malcolm prevents further conflict and Caesar orders the humans to leave.

At Koba’s urging, Caesar leads his army to the human settlement to demonstrate their strength. Making it clear that they seek peace, Caesar demands that the humans stay within their own territory. Malcolm convinces Dreyfus, leader of the community, to allow a small team to enter the forest with the goal of reconciling with the apes and accessing the dam. Reluctantly, Caesar agrees to let them work on the generator as long as they surrender their guns. As they work together, Malcolm, along with his wife Ellie and son Alexander, form a bond with the apes. However, this fragile truce is briefly broken when Carver is caught with a concealed weapon and is promptly sent away. Trust is restored when Ellie’s nursing skills save Cornelia, Caesar’s sick wife. Fearing an attack from the apes, Dreyfus arms his community using munitions from Fort Point armory.