“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” (2018), directed by J.A. Bayona, is the fifth installment in the Jurassic Park franchise and the second in the Jurassic World trilogy. It builds upon the legacy of Steven Spielberg’s original masterpiece, yet diverges into a narrative that aims to balance a number of themes, including animal rights, corporate greed, genetic experimentation, and the dangers of playing God. However, while it attempts to take the story in new directions, the film suffers from inconsistencies in tone, plot, and character development that prevent it from reaching the same heights as its predecessors.
The film begins three years after the catastrophic events of “Jurassic World” (2015). The dinosaurs that once roamed free on Isla Nublar now face a new threat as a volcanic eruption looms, threatening to wipe out the remaining species. The central ethical dilemma introduced at the film’s outset is whether these dinosaurs, now essentially a man-made species, deserve to be saved or left to go extinct once again. This debate echoes the broader environmental concerns of our time, but instead of deeply exploring these issues, the film rushes through its setup and quickly becomes a typical action-adventure with thrills and chase sequences that sometimes overshadow the more thought-provoking aspects of the plot.
The return of key characters adds familiarity to the story. Claire Dearing, played by Bryce Dallas Howard, now runs a dinosaur protection group and is committed to saving the creatures she once viewed merely as assets. Her evolution from a cold, corporate figure to an empathetic advocate for dinosaur rights is a welcome shift, though some may argue that this transformation happens too quickly between the two films. Her new partner, Owen Grady, portrayed by Chris Pratt, is recruited for his bond with Blue, the highly intelligent velociraptor. Owen’s relationship with Blue serves as the emotional core of the film, emphasizing the idea that some of these creatures are not just monsters but beings capable of forming bonds with humans. Yet, Owen’s character remains largely unchanged from the first film, providing comic relief and physical prowess but lacking deeper emotional arcs.
One of the film’s more interesting narrative shifts is the introduction of a more sinister antagonist in the form of Eli Mills, played by Rafe Spall. Mills, under the guise of helping to save the dinosaurs, has more nefarious plans: to auction the creatures off to the highest bidder and to weaponize the genetically modified species. This plotline ventures into corporate greed and the commodification of life itself, topics that were touched upon in earlier films but are given more focus here. The concept of dinosaurs as military weapons, hinted at in “Jurassic World,” is more fully realized in “Fallen Kingdom.” The Indoraptor, a new hybrid created for this purpose, becomes the film’s primary threat. It is a terrifying creation, combining the intelligence and predatory instincts of its predecessors with a chilling lack of empathy or conscience. The Indoraptor’s introduction further emphasizes the dangers of unchecked scientific experimentation.
While the first half of “Fallen Kingdom” focuses on the rescue mission on Isla Nublar, the second half of the film shifts to a gothic horror setting in a mansion where the dinosaurs are being held for auction. This change in tone is jarring, as the film transforms from an action-packed rescue mission to a claustrophobic thriller. Director J.A. Bayona, known for his work in the horror genre, infuses these sequences with suspense, dark atmospheres, and eerie visuals. The mansion setting, with its creaky halls and hidden labs, is reminiscent of classic horror films, but it also feels disconnected from the tropical, expansive settings that have come to define the Jurassic Park series. While this shift may have been intended to offer something fresh, it ultimately contributes to the film’s tonal inconsistency.
The film also introduces a new character, Maisie Lockwood, the granddaughter of Benjamin Lockwood, a former partner of John Hammond who helped create the cloning technology behind Jurassic Park. Maisie, played by Isabella Sermon, becomes a key figure in the latter half of the film, and her character serves as a symbol of the film’s more speculative sci-fi elements. It is revealed that she is not just Lockwood’s granddaughter but is actually a clone of his deceased daughter, adding a new layer to the film’s themes of cloning and genetic manipulation. This twist raises philosophical questions about the ethics of cloning humans, but like many of the film’s other big ideas, it is introduced and then quickly abandoned without much exploration.
Jeff Goldblum returns briefly as Dr. Ian Malcolm, one of the original characters from the first Jurassic Park film. His scenes, while brief, serve as a form of commentary on the events of the film. He warns of the dangers of human hubris and the potential consequences of meddling with nature. His monologues, though sparse, are effective in reminding audiences of the franchise’s core themes. However, his role is minimal, and his appearance seems to serve more as a nostalgic nod to longtime fans rather than a meaningful contribution to the plot.
The visual effects in “Fallen Kingdom” are, as expected, stunning. The dinosaurs look more realistic than ever, and the combination of CGI with practical effects results in some truly awe-inspiring sequences. The volcanic eruption on Isla Nublar is particularly well-executed, blending moments of chaos with breathtaking visuals. The sense of danger is palpable, and the filmmakers successfully create tension as the characters navigate the collapsing island. The scenes involving the Indoraptor in the mansion are equally well-crafted, with Bayona’s horror influences shining through in moments of terror and suspense.
However, despite the film’s technical achievements, its narrative structure feels disjointed. The shift from the open, action-packed island sequences to the dark, confined mansion scenes disrupts the pacing, making it difficult for the film to maintain a consistent tone. Additionally, the characters, while familiar, do not experience significant development over the course of the film. Owen and Claire’s relationship feels more like a subplot, and their personal stakes are overshadowed by the larger, more existential threats posed by the dinosaurs and the corporate villains.
Another criticism of the film lies in its underutilization of its supporting cast. Characters like Franklin Webb, a tech expert played by Justice Smith, and Zia Rodriguez, a paleo-veterinarian portrayed by Daniella Pineda, are introduced early on but are given little to do beyond providing comic relief or serving as plot devices. Their characters had potential, especially Zia, whose knowledge of dinosaur biology could have been more integral to the story. Instead, they often fade into the background, overshadowed by the film’s more prominent players.
The ethical dilemma of whether to save the dinosaurs or let them die remains an intriguing question throughout the film, but the narrative does not delve deeply into this moral debate. There are moments where characters express their opinions, but these discussions are often cut short in favor of action sequences. The idea of humans being responsible for the survival or extinction of a species they created is a rich topic that could have added more weight to the film’s message. Instead, the film seems more interested in setting up the next installment of the franchise, as the ending leaves the door wide open for future conflicts between humans and dinosaurs.
By the time the credits roll, “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” feels less like a standalone story and more like a transitional chapter in a larger saga. The film ends with the dinosaurs being released into the wild, setting up a world where humans and dinosaurs must now coexist. This premise is an exciting one, but it also underscores the film’s role as a bridge to future installments rather than a complete story in its own right.
“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” has moments of brilliance, particularly in its visuals and its exploration of darker, more horror-inspired elements. However, it is weighed down by a convoluted plot, underdeveloped characters, and tonal inconsistencies that prevent it from reaching the same level of impact as the original Jurassic Park. The film’s thematic ambitions—touching on cloning, animal rights, and corporate greed—are commendable, but it often sacrifices depth for spectacle. Fans of the franchise may appreciate the return of familiar faces and the continuation of the Jurassic World story, but for those hoping for a more substantial exploration of the moral and philosophical questions the series has always hinted at, “Fallen Kingdom” may feel like a missed opportunity.
