Jurassic World Dominion (2022) Review

The 2022 blockbuster Jurassic World Dominion, directed by Colin Trevorrow, serves as the climactic installment of the Jurassic World trilogy while also weaving together threads from the original Jurassic Park series. Promising a thrilling conclusion to decades of dinosaur-centric storytelling, the film ambitiously attempts to balance nostalgia, cutting-edge visual effects, and a sprawling narrative. While it delivers on spectacle, it struggles under the weight of its narrative complexity and expectations.

Plot Overview

Set four years after the events of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, the film explores a world where dinosaurs now coexist with humans, creating a fragile and chaotic ecosystem. Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) and Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard) have retreated to a remote cabin to protect Maisie Lockwood (Isabella Sermon), the genetically engineered girl central to the previous film’s plot. Meanwhile, Dr. Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern) and Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill) reunite to investigate a sinister ecological disaster linked to the biotech corporation BioSyn, led by the enigmatic Lewis Dodgson (Campbell Scott).

As these two narratives converge, the film embarks on a globe-trotting adventure filled with daring rescues, corporate conspiracies, and jaw-dropping encounters with prehistoric creatures. The plot culminates in a high-stakes showdown at BioSyn’s remote sanctuary, where the fate of both dinosaurs and humanity hangs in the balance.

Performances and Nostalgia

One of the film’s most significant draws is the return of original Jurassic Park cast members Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum. Their presence injects a sense of nostalgia and gravitas into the story, and their performances remain as charismatic as ever. The dynamic between Ellie and Alan, in particular, rekindles the chemistry that fans cherished in the original film.

Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard continue to anchor the Jurassic World storyline, with Pratt’s Owen providing stoic heroism and Howard’s Claire showcasing emotional depth and resilience. Isabella Sermon’s portrayal of Maisie brings a human element to the story’s ethical questions, while DeWanda Wise’s Kayla Watts, a fearless pilot, adds a refreshing layer of charisma and wit to the ensemble.

Campbell Scott’s Lewis Dodgson, however, falls short as a compelling antagonist. While his character serves as a nod to the original Jurassic Park novel and film, his motivations and actions lack the menace and complexity needed to elevate the stakes.

Themes and World-Building

Jurassic World Dominion ambitiously tackles themes of coexistence, environmental responsibility, and the ethical dilemmas posed by genetic engineering. The film paints a vivid picture of a world grappling with the consequences of humanity’s hubris, as dinosaurs roam freely in urban and rural landscapes alike. This premise opens the door to intriguing questions about how society adapts to such a paradigm shift, but these ideas often take a backseat to action-driven storytelling.

The integration of legacy characters and new ones highlights the generational shift in the franchise, with the older cast representing wisdom and experience while the younger characters embody hope and change. However, the sheer number of characters and plotlines sometimes makes the narrative feel overcrowded and unfocused.

Action and Visual Effects

As expected, the film excels in delivering breathtaking action sequences and stunning visual effects. The dinosaurs are rendered with incredible detail and realism, blending seamlessly with their environments. Standout moments include a thrilling chase through the streets of Malta involving Owen, Claire, and a pack of Atrociraptors, as well as a suspenseful encounter with a Giganotosaurus at BioSyn’s sanctuary.

The practical effects, combined with cutting-edge CGI, create a tactile sense of danger and wonder. The attention to detail in the dinosaurs’ movements and behaviors continues to set the Jurassic franchise apart as a benchmark for creature design in modern cinema.

Strengths and Weaknesses

One of the film’s strengths lies in its ability to evoke a sense of awe and terror, capturing the essence of what made the original Jurassic Park so iconic. The interplay between dinosaurs and humans is at its most thrilling when the story leans into suspenseful, intimate moments rather than sprawling action set pieces.

However, the film’s sprawling scope often works against it. By juggling multiple plotlines and an ensemble cast, Dominion sacrifices depth for breadth. Key relationships and themes are underexplored, and the pacing occasionally falters as the story shifts between locations and subplots. The screenplay, while serviceable, lacks the sharpness and cohesion needed to fully capitalize on the film’s potential.

Direction and Score

Colin Trevorrow’s direction reflects his familiarity with the franchise, striking a balance between paying homage to the original trilogy and pushing the story forward. While his vision is ambitious, the execution sometimes feels uneven, with certain scenes lacking the emotional resonance needed to complement the action.

Michael Giacchino’s score is a highlight, weaving in themes from John Williams’ iconic Jurassic Park soundtrack while introducing new compositions that enhance the film’s emotional and dramatic beats. The music underscores both the grandeur and danger of the prehistoric creatures, adding depth to the cinematic experience.

Conclusion

Jurassic World Dominion is a visually spectacular and nostalgia-driven finale that aims to honor the legacy of the Jurassic franchise while charting new territory. While its ambition and scope are commendable, the film’s crowded narrative and uneven pacing prevent it from reaching the heights of its predecessors. Nonetheless, it offers plenty of thrills, heart-pounding action, and heartfelt moments for fans of the series.

For those who have followed the Jurassic saga since its inception, Dominion provides a satisfying conclusion that celebrates the franchise’s enduring appeal. Despite its flaws, it succeeds in delivering the awe and spectacle that have defined the series, ensuring that dinosaurs will continue to captivate audiences for generations to come.