Film Review: Jurassic World Dominion (2022)

Jurassic World Dominion marks the epic conclusion to the Jurassic World trilogy, a franchise that has captivated audiences with its thrilling exploration of the coexistence between humans and dinosaurs. Directed by Colin Trevorrow, the film takes viewers on a high-stakes journey across the globe, blending elements of action, adventure, and nostalgia while wrapping up a narrative arc that began with Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park (1993).

Plot Overview

Set four years after the events of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018), where dinosaurs were unleashed into the modern world, Dominion explores the consequences of humanity’s decision to coexist with these prehistoric creatures. The world is now a chaotic ecosystem, where humans and dinosaurs struggle to adapt to a shared environment. The narrative follows two intertwined storylines. One involves Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) and Claire Dearing (Bryce Dallas Howard) as they work to protect Maisie Lockwood (Isabella Sermon), a genetically engineered clone with a vital role in the future of science. The other storyline reunites the iconic Jurassic Park trio—Dr. Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern), Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill), and Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum)—as they investigate a nefarious biotech company, Biosyn, which has been exploiting dinosaurs for profit.

Key Themes

1. Coexistence and Responsibility Dominion delves into the ethical and ecological questions of cohabitation. As humans grapple with their role in this new world order, the film highlights the consequences of scientific hubris and the responsibility of safeguarding nature’s balance.
2. Family and Connection The bond between Owen, Claire, and Maisie forms the emotional core of the story. Their journey emphasizes themes of love, protection, and identity, as Maisie struggles to understand her origins and her place in the world.
3. Corporate Greed The inclusion of Biosyn as the primary antagonist underscores the franchise’s long-standing critique of corporate exploitation of nature for profit. This echoes earlier entries in the series, reinforcing the dangers of unchecked ambition.

Character Arcs

One of the film’s strengths lies in its characters, particularly the interplay between the new and legacy cast.

• Owen Grady and Claire Dearing: Their growth as parents and protectors is central to the film. Claire evolves from a corporate figure in the first Jurassic World to a deeply empathetic caretaker.
• Maisie Lockwood: Her journey of self-discovery adds depth to the narrative, making her more than just a plot device.
• Legacy Characters: The return of Sattler, Grant, and Malcolm brings a wave of nostalgia. Each character retains their core traits while contributing to the story in meaningful ways.

Action and Visuals

The film delivers on its promise of spectacular action sequences. From thrilling chases involving raptors in Malta to tense confrontations in Biosyn’s dinosaur sanctuary, the pacing rarely falters. The visual effects are, as expected, top-notch, blending CGI and animatronics seamlessly to bring dinosaurs to life.

Particularly impressive is the introduction of new species, such as the Giganotosaurus, portrayed as a formidable adversary. The film also pays homage to the original Jurassic Park with several visual and narrative callbacks, including scenes that echo the iconic kitchen sequence from 1993.

Nostalgia and Closure

For fans of the franchise, Dominion serves as a heartfelt farewell. The interactions between the legacy and new cast members feel organic, bridging the generational gap between the two trilogies. Trevorrow’s direction ensures that these moments resonate emotionally without feeling forced.

Critique

While Dominion offers plenty of thrills, it’s not without its flaws. The dual storylines, though engaging, occasionally feel disjointed. The ambitious scope of the film—balancing a global narrative with intimate character arcs—results in pacing issues.

Additionally, some critics have noted that the film leans heavily on nostalgia, at times prioritizing fan service over narrative innovation. While the legacy characters are a welcome addition, their roles occasionally overshadow the newer protagonists.

Performances

The cast delivers strong performances across the board. Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard anchor the story with their chemistry and emotional depth. Laura Dern and Sam Neill effortlessly reprise their roles, while Jeff Goldblum’s witty one-liners provide moments of levity.

Isabella Sermon shines as Maisie, bringing vulnerability and resilience to her role. The supporting cast, including DeWanda Wise as pilot Kayla Watts and Mamoudou Athie as Ramsay Cole, adds fresh energy to the ensemble.

Conclusion

Jurassic World Dominion is a fitting conclusion to a beloved franchise, offering a mix of adrenaline-pumping action, emotional depth, and nostalgic callbacks. While it may not reach the groundbreaking heights of the original Jurassic Park, it succeeds in honoring the series’ legacy and delivering a satisfying send-off.

For fans who have followed the saga from its inception, Dominion is a cinematic spectacle that reaffirms the awe and wonder of dinosaurs while leaving a lasting impression. It’s a reminder of why we fell in love with the idea of a world where dinosaurs walk among us—and why we must tread carefully when playing with nature’s design.

Rating: 7.5/10