Jurassic World Rebirth marks the latest chapter in a franchise that began over three decades ago with Steven Spielberg’s iconic Jurassic Park. Directed by Gareth Edwards and featuring a star-studded cast including Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali, the film promised a bold new take on the prehistoric saga. But does it deliver a true rebirth or just a remix of old bones?
The Storyline: Mission in a Dying Ecosystem
Set five years after Jurassic World Dominion, Jurassic World Rebirth explores a world where dinosaurs are no longer a spectacle. Most have retreated into isolated tropical zones where they can survive the modern climate. In the center of this fragile ecosystem lies a new threat — or opportunity — in the form of dino-DNA capable of curing human diseases. Tasked with retrieving this genetic material, covert operative Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson) leads a team into the unknown. What begins as a mission quickly spirals into chaos after an accidental collision with a civilian family leaves them stranded on a long-abandoned research facility island.
Direction and Screenplay: Stunning Yet Shallow
Director Gareth Edwards brings his trademark cinematic scale to Jurassic World Rebirth. The jungle environments, dinosaur designs, and aerial shots all feel rich and immersive. Unfortunately, the screenplay, penned by David Koepp, doesn’t match the visual ambition. The script is packed with clichés, forced exposition, and character dialogues that repeat the same points across multiple scenes. At times, it feels like the plot is spoon-fed to the audience instead of letting the story unfold naturally.
Performances: Talent Overshadowed by Writing
Scarlett Johansson brings charisma and presence to the role of Zora, portraying a tough yet emotionally burdened leader. Still, her character lacks true depth due to underdeveloped backstory elements. Jonathan Bailey as Dr. Henry Loomis delivers charm and intelligence, channeling a modern-day Ian Malcolm vibe. Mahershala Ali adds gravitas as the steely ship captain Duncan Kincaid. Yet, even with such strong actors, the script offers limited growth for their characters, reducing them to archetypes rather than fully fleshed-out individuals.
Visual Effects & Action Sequences: Big and Bold
One thing Jurassic World Rebirth gets right is the spectacle. From the eerie silence of a Mosasaur attack to the chaos of a Quetzalcoatlus aerial ambush, the action scenes are thrilling and expertly crafted. Gareth Edwards knows how to stage a moment for maximum cinematic impact. The dinosaurs feel alive — real even — and the mix of CGI and practical effects works beautifully. But action alone doesn’t carry a movie when emotional stakes and storytelling are undercooked.
The Nostalgia Trap: More Copy Than Tribute
While the film attempts to honor its roots, it too often leans on nostalgia without adding freshness. Scenes echo iconic moments from Jurassic Park, including a raptor-style stalk in a convenience store and a majestic long-necked dinosaur reveal. These callbacks feel more like creative shortcuts than respectful nods. Instead of innovating within the franchise’s universe, Jurassic World Rebirth seems content with replaying greatest hits.
Themes and Symbolism: Lost in the Roar
There are underlying themes about humanity’s relationship with nature, biotechnology, and the ethical cost of progress. However, these ideas never fully take shape. The movie occasionally teases philosophical questions — like whether dinosaurs belong in our world — but rarely gives them the attention they deserve. As a result, Jurassic World Rebirth misses the chance to be more than just another action blockbuster.
Final Verdict: A Missed Opportunity
In the end, Jurassic World Rebirth is a visually engaging film with sporadic excitement but suffers from a weak script, thin characters, and over-reliance on past formulas. While it’s not entirely without charm, especially for fans of the series, it fails to justify its title as a “rebirth.” Instead of breathing new life into the franchise, it offers more of the same with a shinier coat of paint.
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Stunning dinosaur visuals | Weak and cliché-filled screenplay |
| Strong cast performances | Poor character development |
| Action-packed sequences | Excessive callbacks to older films |
| Engaging visual direction | Missed emotional depth and originality |
Should You Watch Jurassic World Rebirth?
If you’re a die-hard fan of the franchise or enjoy watching dinosaurs wreak havoc in ultra-realistic CGI, Jurassic World Rebirth offers enough thrills to justify a theatrical viewing. However, if you’re looking for a fresh take on the franchise or thought-provoking storytelling, you may leave the theater feeling let down.