Jia’s Kong connection in the MonsterVerse movie avoids repeating the same storyline for King Kong, Godzilla vs. Kong sees him linked to Jia in an entirely unique way.
King Kong’s connection with Ann, which dates back to 1933’s King Kong, has been predominantly one involving possession. Kong greatly enjoys her company, but becomes angry when anyone attempts to rescue her since he wants her to himself. Such is not the case in Godzilla vs. Kong. Jia — an orphaned Iwi, who were the natives to Skull Island, and the adoptive daughter of Dr. Ilene Andrews — has a much different relationship with Kong. Their bond is far more familial, with Kong being protective of her because he’s known Jia since she was a baby. Jia is deaf and is able to successfully communicate with Kong through sign language, which develops their bond further and creates a connection that is emotional while allowing Kong to showcase his intelligence. He’s not simply a creature who is angry and capable of brute force; he understands concepts and words thanks to his relationship with Jia.
In this vein, Godzilla vs. Kong’s portrayal of Kong’s bond with humans is more accurate and thoughtful than previous portrayals. The fact Kong trusts Jia more than anyone else is meaningful and properly conveyed through actions. The film takes the time to forge a deep connection between the two that is years in the making. What’s more, it’s a bond that is healthy and not created through surface-level infatuation. Jia brings out a gentle side to Kong, who reveals his feelings to her at every opportunity. It’s the kind of connection the previous Kong films have largely missed the mark on, but which Godzilla vs. Kong executes carefully.
With Jia, Kong’s story essentially stays the same at its core, with the giant ape growing close to a girl (the guys in every story get a firm side-eye from Kong). However, his and Jia’s bond is one that is finally handled correctly in Godzilla vs. Kong. It provides the right amount of depth and emotion. Jia is, in many ways, Kong’s first line of defense against others because she does understand him and is able to tell others about what it is he’s feeling. While Ann and Brie Larson’s Mason Weaver from Kong: Skull Island did forge connections with Kong, they were short-lived and arguably superficial.
Godzilla vs. Kong digs a little deeper and portrays Kong as more than a monster whose attachment to women stems from mere intrigue or obsession. Rather, Jia’s ability to communicate with Kong and his adoring reciprocation deftly gives fans the kind of emotionally rich connection that has been missing from other films. Kong cares for Jia in a more realistic manner. Their connection also develops Kong into a creature with deep-rooted attachments that makes one understand his ties to humanity. Jia is like family to him and vice versa. Their bond in Godzilla vs. Kong is a standout and it fleshes out an oft-utilized Kong story in a way that is compelling, moving, and effective.
