War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) is the third film in the rebooted Planet of the Apes series, delivering an intense and emotional ride through a post-apocalyptic world dominated by intelligent apes. As the battle between the apes and humans escalates, the film includes several jaw-dropping, WTF moments that leave audiences questioning everything they thought they knew. From shocking plot twists to emotional moments, here are 15 WTF moments in War for the Planet of the Apes that had us all reeling.
- The Death of Caesar’s Family
The brutal opening scene where Caesar’s wife and son are killed sets the tone for the film. It’s a heartbreaking moment that turns Caesar’s quest for vengeance into a personal mission of justice. - The Ape Colonel’s Coldness
The human antagonist, played by Woody Harrelson, is revealed to be a ruthless leader of a military group, but his cold and calculating behavior is intensified when he casually executes a captive ape with no remorse. - The Human-Ape War Turns Personal
The tension escalates when Caesar’s thirst for revenge grows stronger, with personal stakes rising beyond just the war between species. The depth of his internal struggle is unsettling. - The Surprise Traitor Among the Apes
A shocking betrayal from one of Caesar’s own, leading to a loss of trust within the ape community, adds a layer of emotional complexity to the story. - Bad Ape’s Introduction
The introduction of Bad Ape (played by Steve Zahn) provides some levity to the grim storyline. His quirky personality and humorous interactions with the main characters were unexpected but welcome, offering some humor in a dark film. - The Imprisonment of Caesar
Caesar’s capture and treatment by the human soldiers is a heart-wrenching scene, as we see the once-powerful ape leader in shackles and suffering, which completely flips the power dynamics. - The Ape Execution Scene
The film takes a dark turn when the Colonel orders the execution of a group of apes. The sheer brutality of this moment shocked many viewers. - Caesar’s Dream Sequence
Caesar has a dream sequence where he confronts his inner demons. This surreal, almost haunting moment was a metaphorical representation of Caesar’s growing despair and his determination to avenge his people. - The Role of the Virus
The film subtly hints that the human race is on the brink of extinction, with the virus from the previous film having wiped out a large portion of humanity. The eerie quiet that surrounds the human race serves as a reminder of how fragile human existence has become. - The Unlikely Friendship
One of the more surprising moments is the evolving friendship between Caesar and the human character, Nova. The bond they form is unexpected, given the conflict between their species. - The Final Battle
The climactic battle features some epic moments, including unexpected tactical moves from the apes that have us wondering how they pulled it off against the heavily armed humans. - Caesar’s Leadership Betrayal
When Caesar’s leadership is questioned by his followers, it’s a striking moment where his authority is tested, and the dynamics within the ape community shift dramatically. - The Escalation of the War
The war between the apes and humans reaches an emotional peak, with apes in full combat mode, showing that the conflict has escalated beyond survival to a battle for the future of their species. - The Emotional Final Scene
The final scene where Caesar dies is incredibly emotional. After all he has been through, his passing marks the end of an era for the apes, and it’s one of the most powerful moments in the trilogy. - The Legacy of Caesar
The film ends with a reflection on Caesar’s legacy. His death sets the stage for a new era for the apes, but the emotional weight of his sacrifices and leadership resonates through the final moments of the film.