TARZAN (2025) – Detailed Review
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Overview

Tarzan (2025) reimagines the classic story of the man raised by apes in the heart of the African jungle. Directed by David Yates, best known for his work on the Harry Potter films, this live-action adaptation promises to bring a new, modern twist to the iconic tale, blending breathtaking visuals with emotional depth and action-packed sequences. Starring Tom Holland as Tarzan, this film delves into the internal struggle of a young man torn between the wild world he was raised in and the human civilization he’s forced to confront. With a star-studded cast and a visually stunning jungle landscape, Tarzan (2025) is poised to captivate audiences of all ages.

The film retains the core elements of the original Tarzan story, written by Edgar Rice Burroughs, but with a fresh take that highlights both Tarzan’s emotional growth and his relationship with nature. This version presents a grittier, more realistic interpretation of Tarzan’s journey, exploring themes of belonging, identity, and the clash between civilization and the untamed world.

Storyline

The story begins with John Clayton II, better known as Tarzan (played by Tom Holland), who was raised by a tribe of gorillas in the jungle after the tragic death of his parents. As an adult, Tarzan has become an expert survivalist, living in harmony with the animals and the environment around him. However, his world is turned upside down when he is contacted by Jane Porter (played by Zendaya), an archaeologist who is investigating the mysterious disappearances of researchers in the jungle.

Tarzan reluctantly returns to civilization, only to find himself thrust into a conspiracy that could threaten the very ecosystem he’s fought to protect. He must confront the darker side of human nature, including the exploitation of the jungle’s resources by corrupt corporations and unscrupulous hunters. Throughout the story, Tarzan faces a deep internal conflict—does he belong in the wild, where he is free, or should he embrace the human world, with its complexities and dangers?

As Tarzan navigates his new life, he also grows closer to Jane, who is initially intrigued by him but soon becomes his partner in trying to stop the destructive forces threatening the jungle. Together, they uncover a vast conspiracy led by Dr. Augustus Gorman (played by Christian Bale), a corrupt businessman with plans to exploit the jungle’s rare resources. As Gorman’s power grows, Tarzan must decide whether to protect the jungle he calls home or to let human civilization take over.

Along the way, Tarzan confronts not only the jungle’s wild animals but also his own human emotions and identity. The film highlights his struggle to reconcile his two worlds: the primal world of the jungle and the complicated world of human society. It’s a journey of self-discovery, love, and survival.

Characters and Performances

• Tarzan (played by Tom Holland) – Tom Holland brings his youthful energy and depth to the role of Tarzan. His portrayal captures the character’s strength, vulnerability, and inner conflict, especially as Tarzan navigates the tension between his wild upbringing and the human world he was born into. Holland’s performance is both physical and emotional, with his charisma shining through in the character’s raw and naturalistic moments of growth.
• Jane Porter (played by Zendaya) – Zendaya’s Jane is intelligent, curious, and compassionate, serving as both a romantic interest and a catalyst for Tarzan’s growth. Her chemistry with Holland is palpable, adding a sense of real connection between the two characters. Jane’s own character arc focuses on her inner strength and determination, as she uncovers the dark secrets of the jungle and learns from Tarzan’s wisdom.
• Dr. Augustus Gorman (played by Christian Bale) – Bale’s portrayal of the villainous Gorman is chilling and complex. He’s not simply an evil businessman but a character with his own justifications for exploiting the jungle’s resources. Gorman believes that the human race is destined to control nature and sees the jungle as a resource to be mined, which creates a tense and compelling antagonist for Tarzan.
• Kala (voiced by Naomi Harris) – In a performance filled with warmth and depth, Naomi Harris voices Kala, Tarzan’s adoptive mother. Kala is a powerful emotional anchor for Tarzan, a loving maternal figure who raised him in the jungle. Harris brings tenderness and wisdom to the role, highlighting the strong bond between mother and son.
• Terk (voiced by Jack Black) – Terk, the playful gorilla and Tarzan’s best friend, is voiced by Jack Black. Terk provides comic relief, yet also offers moments of sincerity and loyalty as she aids Tarzan in his struggle between two worlds. Black’s voice work gives the character humor and heart.

Action and Visuals

As expected from a Tarzan film, the action sequences in this movie are thrilling and intense. From high-speed chases through the jungle to epic confrontations with dangerous animals, Tarzan (2025) delivers on spectacle. The jungle itself becomes a character in its own right, with sprawling forests, ancient temples, and dangerous creatures coming to life in vivid detail through cutting-edge CGI.

The visual effects are stunning, with lush, natural landscapes contrasted against the gritty realism of urban settings. The filmmakers have clearly put great effort into making the jungle feel alive—full of lush foliage, towering trees, and wildlife that seems just as important to the story as the human characters.

The action scenes involving Tarzan’s acrobatics are particularly impressive, with the character swinging from vines, battling dangerous predators, and navigating treacherous terrain with impressive agility. These action moments are combined with intimate, emotional beats that ground the movie in its central themes of identity, love, and the connection between humans and nature.

Themes and Direction

Tarzan (2025) explores several key themes, including the clash between nature and civilization, identity, belonging, and the importance of preserving the natural world. Tarzan’s journey is ultimately one of self-discovery—realizing who he is and where he belongs, even as he must navigate the difficult realities of both the jungle and human society.

The film also addresses environmentalism, with Gorman’s corporate greed representing the dangers of exploiting natural resources for profit. Tarzan’s fierce protectiveness of the jungle is set against the encroaching influence of human industry, making the movie timely in its call for environmental awareness.

Director David Yates expertly balances action and emotional depth, creating a movie that’s not only thrilling but also reflective. While the film delivers exhilarating jungle action and thrilling stunts, it also has moments of introspection that allow for character development and exploration of deeper themes. Yates keeps the pacing tight, with the narrative never losing sight of its emotional core, which makes it both an adventure film and a thoughtful commentary on human nature.

Conclusion

Tarzan (2025) is a bold reimagining of the classic story, delivering both high-stakes action and emotional resonance. Tom Holland’s dynamic portrayal of Tarzan adds a fresh layer of complexity to the character, while Zendaya’s performance as Jane offers a strong, independent partner. The film’s stunning visuals and thrilling action sequences make it an immersive experience, while its thought-provoking themes give it substance beyond the spectacle.

For fans of the classic tale or newcomers to the story, Tarzan (2025) is an exciting and emotionally charged adventure that explores the balance between civilization and nature, the power of identity, and the importance of understanding where we come from. It’s a movie that will resonate with audiences of all ages, and one that promises to become a new classic for the modern age.