Jurassic World Dominion (2022)
Director: Colin Trevorrow
Screenwriters: Emily Carmichael, Colin Trevorrow
Starring: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Laura Dern, Sam Neill, Jeff Goldblum, DeWanda Wise, Mamoudou Athie, Isabella Sermon, Omar Sy, BD Wong
Dinosaurs, nostalgia and unexpected threats collide in Jurassic World Dominion, the concluding chapter of the recent Jurassic World trilogy. Promoted as a film that would finally show prehistoric creatures living freely across the globe, this installment instead returns to a familiar structure: the promise of open ecosystems gives way to tightly controlled conflicts and a race to contain the chaos. That choice undercuts some of the film’s big ideas, but it does not eliminate the thrills that make the franchise enduring.
The story follows Owen (Chris Pratt) and Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) as they live quietly with Maisie (Isabella Sermon), Owen’s adopted surrogate daughter. Far from being a simple domestic tale, the plot quickly expands: a pharmaceutical magnate relocates many dinosaurs to a secured valley in the Italian Alps, using geography as a makeshift barrier. When Maisie and the child of Blue, Owen’s bonded velociraptor, go missing, Owen and Claire undertake a desperate mission across Europe to find them. Their search entangles them with black-market dealings, billionaire antagonists and a broader conspiracy. At the same time, a genetically altered locust species devastates crops, threatening global food supplies and introducing an ecological crisis that raises the film’s stakes beyond personal rescue.
At two hours and twenty-seven minutes, Jurassic World Dominion is the longest entry in the franchise and densely packed with action, set pieces and character beats. Colin Trevorrow and Emily Carmichael’s screenplay often favors kinetic spectacle over disciplined narrative economy, opting for an unrelenting rush of sequences rather than a tightly focused escalation of peril. The film borrows the modern blockbuster playbook—rapid pacing, high-concept dangers and a stream of visual stimuli—so viewers who expect glossy, adrenaline-driven summer cinema will find much to enjoy.
Despite its narrative shortcuts, the film succeeds in delivering emotional moments and a powerful sense of nostalgia. The return of Sam Neill, Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum—three original stars from the 1993 Jurassic Park—is handled with a genuine affection that avoids pure gimmickry. Their chemistry and familiar dynamics provide several of the movie’s most satisfying scenes, and their presence helps anchor the film’s broader thematic ambitions.
One of the stronger aspects of the modern Jurassic films has been their consistent ethical core: humans, especially when driven by unchecked profit and corporate power, are portrayed as the central danger. Jurassic World Dominion continues that tradition, framing wealth and arrogance as key threats to both people and the environment. While the message is not as pointed as in the original film, it remains woven throughout the story—reminding viewers that coexistence with nature, respect for life and the consequences of exploitation are central concerns. In an era of increasing isolation and ecological anxiety, the film’s emphasis on communal responsibility and shared stewardship feels timely.
Visually, Dominion is impressive. The dinosaurs look sharper and more convincing than in prior sequels, and several sequences—such as the Malta motorcycle chase—deliver set-piece excitement that recalls the best action cinema. The film borrows liberally from other blockbuster traditions, and while some homages feel familiar, they are often executed with enough energy to be enjoyable in their own right. The science center break-in, classic adventurer beats and large-scale chases are integrated into the movie’s rhythm to sustain momentum throughout.
At times the film leans heavily into fan service: callbacks and small moments designed to elicit smiles from long-time followers. Yet the emotional payoff from the returning original trio and the film’s ability to elicit simple pleasures—suspense, wonder, humor—mean it rarely feels empty. Jurassic World Dominion is not attempting to redefine the franchise or eclipse its predecessor’s cultural impact; instead, it embraces spectacle and sentiment to deliver a crowd-pleasing finale.
Overall, Jurassic World Dominion is a modern tentpole that mixes nostalgia with high-quality visual effects and broad thematic concerns about human responsibility and ecological balance. It is enjoyable, rewatchable and often thrilling, even if it wanders from its initial promise of truly liberated dinosaurs. For viewers seeking big-screen adventure, memorable callbacks and fast-paced entertainment, this installment is a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy.
Score: 15/24
