My anticipation for a Jurassic Park film had waned since Jurassic Park III, primarily due to a lack of horror elements in the latest installments. However, the upcoming Jurassic World Rebirth has rekindled my enthusiasm for the franchise. Based on Michael Crichton’s iconic novel, the Jurassic Park series has captivated audiences with the alluring question, “What if we could bring dinosaurs back to life?”While the concept of massive reptiles existing alongside humans remains fantastical, the franchise has undoubtedly stoked a global fascination with dinosaurs, including my own.
Over the years, the franchise has flourished, resulting in a total of six feature films—plus a new trilogy in the pipeline—along with two television series and a myriad of video games. As an ardent supporter of the original Jurassic Park trilogy, I looked forward to the Jurassic World films with hope. Unfortunately, a significant hurdle impeded my excitement: I have yearned for the chilling horror elements that characterized the earlier films. Thankfully, Jurassic World Rebirth promises to bring back the thrill and suspense that I adored in the originals, reigniting my eagerness.
Jurassic Park III Represents the Last True Horror Entry in the Series
From an early age, the Jurassic Park trilogy ignited my passion for horror films, blending elements of terror within a sci-fi/adventure narrative. The original film masterfully crafted a sense of peril, provoking instinctive fears that elevated the stakes for its characters. By the time we reached Jurassic Park III, the film amplified feelings of dread, reestablishing itself as truly terrifying.
This entry’s premise focused on rescuing stranded individuals, effectively rendering it a survival film. The addition of Pteranodons, alongside the well-known land dinosaurs, contributed additional fear, as characters faced airborne threats in addition to the familiar land-bound dangers. The atmospheric fog and suspenseful sequences, especially the terrifying aviary scene adapted from the original book, heighten the horror aesthetic.
While the T. rex is an iconic antagonist, the menacing presence of the Spinosaurus in Jurassic Park III makes it a more intimidating adversary, amplifying the movie’s horror elements. Despite its mixed reception, I hold to my unpopular opinion that this threequel stands out as a compelling installment that successfully integrates horror, leaving me longing for future films to revive this thrilling formula.
The Jurassic World Trilogy Shifted Focus from Horror to Action
Although many fans criticize the Jurassic World trilogy, I personally enjoy these films, albeit recognizing that they lack the depth of the originals. From the outset, it was clear that the trailers signaled a departure from horror, presenting a more polished, action-oriented narrative that lacked the gritty ambiance of earlier installments. This shift to human-centered storytelling sidelined the dinosaurs, which had previously been the primary source of terror.
Needing to align expectations, these trailers fulfilled their purpose by illustrating the series’ transformation into action films with minimal horror. Each sequel, Fallen Kingdom and Dominion, followed suit, reflecting a consistent tone that, while cohesive, dulled the thrill I once felt for the franchise. Despite enjoying these films, I found myself yearning for the horror-thriller blend that defined my affection for the original trilogy.
Fortunately, I am hopeful that Jurassic World Rebirth will integrate the horror elements that have been absent from the recent trilogy, bringing my excitement full circle.
Director Describes Jurassic World Rebirth as an Action-Horror
Image via Universal Pictures
Director Gareth Edwards, known for past successes like Monsters and Godzilla, brings his vision to Jurassic World Rebirth, describing it as a horror-action film. His insights into the significance of fear within this franchise resonate deeply. In an interview with Empire Magazine (via Inside The Magic), he articulated why dinosaurs effectively elicit fear in audiences:
“There’s something very primal about dinosaurs because we’re mammals with millions of years of embedded instinct that tells us some giant creature at some point is going to chase us and try and kill us. So it feels instantly relatable.”
This perspective bolsters my confidence that he can harness this fear effectively on screen. Furthermore, Edwards acknowledged the horror aspects of the original Jurassic Park film in an interview with Vanity Fair, stating:
“Jurassic Park is a horror film in the witness protection program. Most people don’t think of it like that. We all went to see it as kids. But I was scared shitless, to be honest, when I was at the cinema watching the T. rex attack. It’s one of the most well-directed scenes in cinema history, so the bar’s really high to come on board and try and do this.”
Edwards truly captures my sentiments regarding the franchise; horror is embedded in the fabric of Jurassic Park, and it is essential for the upcoming film to reflect that. His enthusiasm and appreciation for the original Spielberg masterpiece make me eager to see how this fandom translates into Jurassic World Rebirth.
Trailer Signals Grittier Visuals & More Menacing Dinosaurs
The anticipation surrounding Jurassic World Rebirth surged dramatically when the first trailer was unveiled. The storyline parallels that of Jurassic Park III, as a team attempts to navigate an island filled with dangers, significantly increasing the tension of survival.
The trailer’s visuals strike a compelling balance between the classic Jurassic Park aesthetic and the stylization of the Jurassic World series. At the trip’s outset, the visuals maintain a polished appearance, but they transition to a gritty and atmospheric presentation once the characters land on the island. This shift heightens realism and amplifies fear for the protagonists, rekindling the sense of peril I felt in the original trilogy.
The voiceover insists that these dinosaurs have been categorized as too perilous for the park, effectively raising expectations for heightened, albeit family-friendly, violence. Several dinosaurs are teased within the footage, each presenting significant threats to the characters, who will confront dangers from the ground, sea, and sky. Ultimately, these elements suggest that Jurassic World Rebirth will deliver the horror-infused experience that I have been craving, making it a film I eagerly await.