Jurassic World Rebirth Review: Is It Worth the Watch?

Three decades after the original Jurassic Park reshaped science fiction cinema and shattered box office records, the latest addition to the franchise, Jurassic World Rebirth, arrives as the seventh overall film and the fourth in the Jurassic World series. Directed by Gareth Edwards and scripted by longtime series contributor David Koepp, the film reintroduces audiences to a world where genetic ambition and prehistoric predators collide once more.

The movie launched globally on July 4, following its June 17 premiere at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London. It features a cast led by Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey, alongside Mahershala Ali, Rupert Friend, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, and Ed Skrein.

A Mission Amid Chaos: Storyline and Characters

The story opens within a laboratory environment where geneticists are experimenting with advanced dinosaur mutations. A minor oversight—symbolized by a misplaced candy wrapper—leads to the unintentional release of a genetically altered tyrannosaur variant known as Distortus rex. This creature escapes containment and devastates the facility, prompting personnel to flee the island, leaving behind a legacy of bioengineered danger.

The narrative then jumps five years beyond the locust outbreak events linked to Biosyn, last depicted in Jurassic World Dominion. By this point, Earth’s climate has become increasingly inhospitable for dinosaurs, confining them to areas near the equator. Human contact with these zones has ceased, allowing nature to reclaim dominance.

Amid this backdrop, pharmaceutical company ParkerGenix launches a covert mission to extract DNA samples from prehistoric species in hopes of creating a revolutionary medical treatment. The operation is led by Zora Bennett, a former military operative portrayed by Scarlett Johansson. She is joined by Dr. Henry Loomis, played by Jonathan Bailey, and a field team under the leadership of Duncan.

Their expedition is fraught with danger, as the team encounters formidable species including Mosasaurus, Titanosaurus, and Quetzalcoatlus. While they succeed in retrieving valuable biological samples, their mission results in several fatalities, underscoring the perils of human interaction with resurrected prehistoric life.

The climax occurs when the team is forced into a direct confrontation with the escaped Distortus rex. A tense sequence of pursuit and evasion culminates in their narrow escape by boat. Rather than capitalize on their findings, the surviving members choose to share the research openly, declining patents in order to make life-saving treatments affordable and widely accessible.

Technical Execution and Performances

The 133-minute feature is visually arresting, with high-quality visual effects contributing to realistic portrayals of both herbivorous and carnivorous dinosaurs. The action sequences, particularly those involving predator-prey dynamics between humans and dinosaurs, draw heavily from the franchise’s legacy, evoking classic moments from earlier installments such as Jurassic Park III.

Director Gareth Edwards, known for works including Godzilla (2014) and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), utilizes his expertise in visual spectacle to build tension during chase sequences. His approach emphasizes suspense and environmental immersion, heightening the viewer’s sense of danger and unpredictability.

In terms of performances, Scarlett Johansson blends combat readiness with narrative depth, adding physical presence to the role of Bennett. Jonathan Bailey offers a more grounded portrayal as Dr. Loomis, aiming to create a character that is both scientifically driven and emotionally resonant.

Additional cast members contribute varied dimensions to the film. Mahershala Ali provides moral complexity, while Rupert Friend takes on a morally ambiguous role. However, Friend’s character has drawn some critique for lacking menace and falling into caricature at times. Scenes involving a stranded family surviving in the jungle, while emotionally intended, are seen as unnecessarily prolonged.

Overall Assessment and Place in the Franchise

Jurassic World Rebirth strives to honor the franchise’s origins while introducing modern thematic concerns, including bioethics and pharmaceutical accessibility. By avoiding an overly commercialized ending and opting for an altruistic resolution, the film deviates from expected blockbuster formulas. Its combination of nostalgia, visual spectacle, and moral tension makes it a notable entry in the Jurassic legacy.

While the pacing occasionally falters, particularly in the mid-section, the film’s high-stakes sequences and technical achievements help maintain audience engagement. Viewing the movie in enhanced formats like 4DX further amplifies the intensity, making it an immersive experience for dedicated fans and newcomers alike.