Dr. Henry Loomis, portrayed by Jonathan Bailey in the latest installment of the Jurassic franchise, Jurassic World Rebirth, expresses a sentiment that resonates with many: the public’s waning interest in familiar prehistoric creatures. This observation prompts InGen, the billion-dollar biotech corporation, to embark on a bold venture—crossbreeding new dinosaur species. Loomis dubs this venture “engineered entertainment,” a term that aptly describes Gareth Edwards’ new chapter in the dinosaur saga originally launched by Steven Spielberg over three decades ago.
The film introduces audiences to a host of new monstrous creations, yet it largely rehashes familiar storylines. Despite this, Jurassic World Rebirth delivers heart-pounding action and thrilling encounters with colossal beasts, drawing a peculiar parallel to the exploited carnival attractions in Tod Browning’s Freaks. The film evokes sympathy for its genetically engineered creatures, such as the Distortus Rex, humorously abbreviated to D. Rex, a creature with a head reminiscent of a beluga whale. As history has shown, man’s attempts to play God often end in chaos, and these hybrid dinosaurs have every reason to be enraged.
A Franchise with Deep Roots
Jurassic World Rebirth is more nostalgic than innovative, yet it still manages to captivate audiences. The film, set for release on July 2, boasts a star-studded cast including Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, and Rupert Friend, under the direction of Gareth Edwards. The screenplay, penned by David Koepp, is based on characters created by Michael Crichton. Koepp, who co-wrote the 1993 original and its 1997 sequel, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, brings his expertise to this latest installment, drawing heavily from the first and third films in the series.
While originality may not be the film’s strongest suit, it compensates with a fast-paced narrative, intense scares, and a cast of appealing new characters. Colin Trevorrow revitalized the franchise in 2015 with Jurassic World, followed by J.A. Bayona’s inventive sequel, Fallen Kingdom. However, the final chapter, Dominion, struggled to maintain creative momentum. By revisiting the franchise’s roots, Rebirth fulfills the promise of its title.
Plot and Character Dynamics
The film picks up where Jurassic World Dominion left off, with humans and dinosaurs on the brink of co-existence. However, the modern atmosphere proves inhospitable to the creatures, forcing them to migrate to a tropical zone around the equator. This area, reminiscent of their native Mesozoic climate, is off-limits to tourists.
A prologue set 17 years before the main events unfolds in a secret InGen facility on Isle Saint-Hubert near Barbados. A containment malfunction leads to a gruesome incident, setting the stage for the film’s present-day narrative. Rupert Friend’s character, Martin Krebs, a slick Big Pharma executive, orchestrates an illegal expedition to the island to extract DNA from three colossal species. His corporation, ParkerGenix, believes these samples hold the key to groundbreaking heart disease medication.
Krebs recruits Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson), a former special forces operative turned private contractor, and Dr. Loomis. Zora, still mourning the loss of her partner, sees the mission as a path to retirement. The team, including Mahershala Ali’s character Duncan Kincaid, embarks on a perilous journey aboard the Essex, a repurposed military patrol boat.
Action-Packed Sequences and Emotional Arcs
The film features several extended action sequences, a hallmark of director Edwards. One such scene involves La Mariposa, a sloop captained by Reuben Delgado (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), which is capsized by a mosasaurus. The Essex responds to their mayday signal, leading to a clash between the crew’s rescue mission and Krebs’ corporate agenda.
The narrative accelerates as the Essex is attacked by a spinosaurus, forcing the crew to seek refuge on Isle Saint-Hubert. The island’s lush jungles, captured with Panavision cameras and anamorphic lenses, provide a stunning backdrop for the unfolding drama. The film’s visual grandeur is complemented by Alexandre Desplat’s orchestral score, which incorporates John Williams’ iconic themes.
Thematic Depth and Nostalgic Homages
While Jurassic World Rebirth may not top franchise rankings, it offers a blend of nostalgia and fresh excitement. The film explores themes of scientific ethics and corporate greed, with Bailey and Johansson delivering charming performances as they navigate these moral dilemmas. The movie also delves into familial bonds, as the Delgado family’s journey highlights themes of reconciliation and growth.
The film’s climax features a thrilling encounter with the D. Rex, showcasing the seamless integration of physical sets and digital effects. Edwards’ direction pays homage to Spielberg’s legacy, with subtle nods to Jaws and other iconic moments from the original series.
Ultimately, Jurassic World Rebirth delivers a satisfying mix of nostalgia and innovation, appealing to both longtime fans and new audiences. The film’s blend of action, humor, and heart ensures that the franchise continues to roar into the future.
