* This article contains spoilers
Set 5 years after Jurassic World: Dominion (2022), Earth’s ecosystem is no longer suitable for dinosaurs. The remaining dinosaurs exist in an isolated equatorial environment. Experts Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson), Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey), and Duncan Kincaid (Mahershala Ali) travel to a secluded island, once the site of Jurassic Park, to extract DNA samples from three species.
The film begins with sweeping shots showcasing the beauty of the tropical landscape. However, it gradually falls into familiar territory, reminiscent of the original 1993 film, as it depicts a deserted island where the characters must fight to survive.
The narrative becomes convoluted as it attempts to address multiple themes: the global ecological crisis and the ethical implications of scientific experiments. These topics are relevant but lack cohesion, causing the film's pace to falter. Although the script raises questions about who has the right to control life, these questions remain at the dialogue level and don't develop into meaningful conflicts.
In this seventh installment, the writers introduce new characters – researchers and mercenaries – showcasing an ambition to revitalize the series. However, their relationships are primarily conveyed through dialogue, with few scenes demonstrating genuine connection. Zora's psychological depth remains largely unexplored. The storyline hints at her past to explain her motivations, but her internal conflicts are resolved quickly, diminishing the emotional impact.
The two male characters in the group represent intellect and courage, but they primarily serve supporting roles and don't significantly influence the plot. Henry occasionally delivers moral messages, while Duncan has a personal story that lacks the screen time for proper character development.
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Scarlett Johansson in "Jurassic World: Rebirth". Photo: Universal Pictures |
Scarlett Johansson in "Jurassic World: Rebirth". Photo: Universal Pictures
According to ScreenRant, the subplot involving the Delgado family – unexpectedly attacked by dinosaurs during an ocean expedition – suffers from similar issues. Their integration into the main narrative feels forced, diminishing their importance. Family bonds are depicted through a few minor details, which fail to resonate.
The film features familiar dinosaurs like the Velociraptor, Spinosaurus, and Mosasaurus, along with new variations including the Mutadon, D-Rex, and the horned herbivore Aquilops. However, these iconic creatures, integral to the franchise, become secondary to storylines revolving around family, teamwork, and internal conflict.
Slash Film commented, "The filmmakers create a tense atmosphere that previous installments haven't fully captured. But every time the story shows promise, David Koepp's script reverts to familiar survival movie tropes, making the climax feel cumbersome,".
The visuals are a highlight. With experience directing films like Godzilla (2014), Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), and The Creator (2023), director Gareth Edwards showcases his skill with panoramic shots, revealing wilderness landscapes, oceans, and jungles. Set on tropical islands, the film was shot in Thailand, Malta, and the UK.
The film crew prioritized natural lighting, minimized the use of green screens, and incorporated dynamic camera movements. Some impressive sequences include a herd of Titanosaurs traversing grasslands, the canyon where Zora’s team extracts DNA from a Quetzalcoatlus, and the Delgado family's encounter with a sleeping T-Rex.
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Titanosaurus in "Jurassic World: Rebirth". Photo: Universal Pictures |
Titanosaurus in "Jurassic World: Rebirth". Photo: Universal Pictures
The performances of Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Jonathan Bailey are commendable despite the narrative's shortcomings. Johansson portrays a tough Zora Bennett, torn between her work and her conscience. The actress mentioned that the biggest challenge was the physical demands of the role. She underwent military-style training, learned to shoot, and collaborated with stunt teams before filming. Due to action scenes filmed in jungles and mangroves in Thailand, she also learned rope climbing and swimming.
Mahershala Ali conveys a calm demeanor through his actions and words. Jonathan Bailey brings a gentler touch as a dinosaur enthusiast who gradually recognizes the ethical boundaries as he embarks on the expedition.
Cat Tien
