Unlike the original Planet of the Apes series’ first sequel, it’s clear from this sequel that the larger story has been more fully fleshed out from the beginning.
Like the original series, the reboots serve as a commentary for race relations and equality.
While much of Dawn deals with the internal conflicts among the ape population, particularly Caesar and his rival Koba, the big picture conflict with the humans is at the heart of it, as Caesar wants to live in peace, but Koba sees no option but war.