Directed by Gareth Edwards and written by David Koepp, Jurassic World: Rebirth marks a bold return to the roots of the franchise while introducing a fresh, thrilling adventure. Released in theaters on July 2, 2025, by Universal Pictures, this 133-minute action-sci-fi film stars Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, Mahershala Ali, and Rupert Friend. With dazzling visuals, a streamlined plot, and a genuine love for dinosaurs at its heart, Rebirth feels more like a spiritual successor to the original Jurassic Park than a continuation of the Jurassic World trilogy.
Set five years after Dominion, the film introduces covert operative Zora Bennett (Johansson), paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis (Bailey), and team leader Duncan Kincaid (Ali) on a high-stakes mission to a forgotten island teeming with de-extinct creatures—and secrets. This 2025 film review explores how Jurassic World: Rebirth reclaims its place as one of the most entertaining entries in the series.
Genre:Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller
A Simpler Premise, a Stronger Movie
After years of increasingly convoluted lore, Jurassic World: Rebirth wisely chooses clarity over complexity. Dinosaurs, once roaming the world post-Dominion, are now dwindling in number, surviving only in remote tropical zones like the forbidden Γle Saint-Hubert. ParkerGenix, a pharmaceutical company, believes dinosaur DNA may hold the cure to heart disease. Their mission? Extract live blood samples from three of the largest prehistoric creatures—one from land, air, and sea.
That setup delivers exactly what fans want: a dangerous journey into the unknown, seasoned with high stakes, ethical questions, and dino-sized thrills. Gone are the government subplots and global conspiracies. In their place is a clean, character-driven adventure with just the right balance of danger and awe.
Blockbuster Cast, Blockbuster Chemistry
Scarlett Johansson headlines as Zora Bennett, a special ops expert who’s no stranger to danger. Johansson brings a grounded yet fun energy to the role, offering action chops without sacrificing personality. She’s flanked by Jonathan Bailey as Dr. Henry Loomis, a charming paleontologist whose awe and reverence for dinosaurs deliver the movie’s most emotionally resonant moments. Their chemistry—sometimes flirty, sometimes philosophical—adds genuine spark.
Mahershala Ali, as ship captain Duncan Kincaid, offers gravitas and heart. He balances out the more clinical mission goals with emotional warmth and an old-school sense of duty. Meanwhile, Rupert Friend plays the shifty corporate villain Martin Krebs with oily confidence. The performances elevate the material, creating characters we actually care about—something the franchise has too often lacked.
Dinosaurs Reclaim the Spotlight
The dinosaurs are the real stars again, and Rebirth finally treats them as more than background creatures. Whether it’s the majestic Titanosaur grazing in a sun-drenched valley or the terrifying aquatic Mosasaur snapping a sailboat in two, the creatures are beautifully rendered and thoughtfully integrated into the action.
Director Gareth Edwards knows his monsters. Drawing from his Godzilla playbook, he infuses scenes with tension and scale—building dread from rustling leaves and awe from a single, massive footprint. There's also a surprising (and adorable) new addition: Dolores, a baby dino companion destined to be 2025’s breakout toy star. Cute, expressive, and never overused, Dolores provides levity without undermining the stakes.
A Tale of Two Stories
The film smartly intertwines two narratives. Alongside the extraction team, we follow the Delgado family—a father and his two daughters (plus a not-so-lovable boyfriend)—shipwrecked on the island. While their storyline sometimes veers into formula, it injects heart and humanity, as well as the required “child in peril” tension that has been a Jurassic trademark since 1993.
These two arcs eventually collide, creating opportunities for action and character development. While not every family moment lands, Audrina Miranda’s performance as the younger daughter shines. Her bond with Dolores is touching and gives the film a much-needed sense of wonder.
Stunning Set Pieces, Classic Thrills
Jurassic World: Rebirth delivers a slew of memorable set pieces. A rappel down a cliff face into a pterosaur rookery recalls Spielberg’s best action geography. A haunting convenience store sequence echoes the original’s raptor kitchen scene. The third act ramps things up with a battle against a grotesque new genetic hybrid—the Distortus rex, a nightmarish mutation with six limbs and a monstrous roar.
The visuals are stunning. Shot on 35mm film, the tropical setting of Thailand doubles convincingly for the fictional island. Whether we're in underwater caverns, dense jungle, or ancient ruins, cinematographer John Mathieson ensures each location feels tactile and cinematic. Meanwhile, Alexandre Desplat’s score blends new themes with welcome callbacks to John Williams’ iconic melodies, delivering nostalgic chills at all the right moments.
Ethical Questions and Emotional Payoffs
Beyond the spectacle, Rebirth touches on relevant ethical themes—bioengineering, capitalism, environmental exploitation. While these elements are never explored too deeply, they provide just enough texture. Dr. Loomis’ belief that “science should be for everyone” offers a poignant counterpoint to the profit-driven mission they’ve undertaken. It’s a subtle return to the franchise’s original cautionary tone, without getting preachy.
Bailey’s performance in a scene where he finally touches a dinosaur he’s studied all his life is a highlight. His open-mouthed joy reminds us why we fell in love with these creatures in the first place. It's these small moments of emotional truth that elevate Rebirth beyond popcorn fare.
Jurassic World Rebirth: A Worthy Return
This Jurassic World: Rebirth movie review concludes with an enthusiastic endorsement. The film doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel—it refines it. Smart, thrilling, funny, and occasionally moving, Rebirth is easily the best Jurassic installment since the original. It respects the source material while carving its own path. In doing so, it proves there's still life—and awe—in this long-running franchise.
Whether you’re a diehard fan or just looking for an exciting summer blockbuster, Jurassic World: Rebirth is a 2025 movie that delivers the goods. It reminds us why dinosaurs never go out of style—and why movies like this are still worth making.
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)