A Thrilling Return to Prehistoric Peril
Stepping boldly into the next chapter of dinosaur cinema, Jurassic World: Rebirth emerges as a dynamic and satisfying addition to the iconic franchise. Set five years after the tumultuous events of Jurassic World: Dominion (2022), this new instalment invites audiences on an exhilarating expedition that traverses new cinematic terrain while remaining true to the spirit of the originals.
The film wastes no time plunging viewers into its daring premise: a specialized team braves the perilous isolation of equatorial wilds, venturing into uncharted waters and soaring skies in search of DNA from three colossal prehistoric beasts. Their mission, driven by the promise of a medical revolution, brims with the franchise’s signature blend of science, ambition, and hubris. This fresh context for dinosaur extraction feels both urgent and intimately linked to the ethical questions that have always haunted the Jurassic saga.
If previous instalments found their most memorable moments on land, Jurassic World: Rebirth propels the action above and below, with pulse-pounding set pieces that unfold amid turbulent waters and dizzying aerial vistas. The shift to aquatic and airborne action sequences reinvigorates the franchise’s visual style, delivering breathtaking chases, spectacular crashes, and moments of awe as monstrous predators breach waves or unleash chaos from the skies. Fans will relish the inventive use of new environments, which ensures that even after decades, the sight of a prehistoric reptile in pursuit still thrills.
Survival is once again at the heart of the story, but Rebirth probes it through fresh lenses. The isolation of the expedition amplifies the sense of vulnerability, rendering every decision a matter of life and death. The characters — some seasoned, others new — must navigate not only the jaws of ancient beasts but also their own fears and ambitions. The film deftly explores the perennial struggle between human ingenuity and the raw, indifferent power of nature, reminding audiences that the line between progress and peril is dangerously thin.
Longtime fans will delight in the film’s loving references to Jurassic Park (1993). From subtle musical cues, iconic camera angles, and the return of classic vehicles, to the eerie recreation of the infamous “rippling water” suspense (with a flip), Jurassic World: Rebirth is steeped in nostalgia. These nods never feel forced; instead, they enrich the world-building and allow the film to honour its predecessors while forging ahead.
This chapter does not shy away from the visceral thrills that have always defined the series. The encounters with prehistoric predators are more graphic and intense than ever before, with several jaw-dropping (literally and figuratively) moments that might just leave audiences squirming in their seats. Yet, despite these heightened stakes, the narrative treads familiar ground. Aside from the escalation in suspenseful chomping scenes, there isn’t a wealth of new ideas — the formula remains tried and true, but not particularly innovative.
Ultimately, Jurassic World: Rebirth delivers exactly what fans of the franchise crave: high-octane action, awe-inspiring dinosaurs, and a rousing adventure that honours the past while embracing new cinematic frontiers. While it may not break significant new ground beyond its more graphic predator encounters, the film is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Jurassic universe. For those seeking a thrilling, nostalgia-infused escape — with a few fresh twists in setting — Rebirth is a worthy successor that keeps the legacy alive and roaring.
In South African cinemas from July 4.
-Dirk Lombard Fourie