“Jurassic World Rebirth,” the seventh installment in the Jurassic franchise, is currently in theaters and rich with Easter eggs and visual callbacks to previous films. While screenwriter David Koepp aimed to minimize overt references, director Gareth Edwards embraced the nostalgia, creating a blend of past and present that fans will appreciate.
The film features several nods to the original “Jurassic Park,” starting with Rupert Friend’s character Martin Krebs, whose close-up in the car displays the phrase “objects in mirror are closer than they appear,” reminiscent of a similar iconic moment from the 1993 classic. Edwards notes that he filmed a side-mirror shot intended for a different part of the movie but was determined to include it in a memorable way.
In a scene set in a museum, the film pays homage to the original with a black banner that descends behind a dinosaur skeleton, mirroring the elements seen in the original film’s iconic scenes. Additionally, Jonathan Bailey’s character, paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis, mentions he studied under Dr. Alan Grant, a character portrayed by Sam Neill in previous installments. This connection is further solidified by a patch on his bag depicting Snakewater Canyon, a famed fossil dig site from “Jurassic Park.”
Edwards also integrates a line from Michael Crichton’s books into the script, addressing the uncertainties of reviving prehistoric life in a dramatically changed environment. The film’s visual storytelling includes exhilarating action sequences, such as a family fleeing a T. rex, echoing moments from both the original novel and the first film, where characters faced similar predicaments on a raft.
One particularly notable homage comes when characters not only encounter dinosaur humor but relive scenes that evoke earlier installations, capturing the awe and terror presented in the original films. For instance, a touching moment where characters rest against a tree recalls a scene with Alan Grant and the children in “Jurassic Park.”
As the film progresses, it builds upon the suspenseful trope of dinosaurs interacting with human environments, such as a gas station scene inspired by earlier films where dinosaurs invade unexpected places. Edwards, who recalls using such settings in his past projects, offers a unique spin that maintains the franchise’s legacy while giving it a fresh context.
Overall, “Jurassic World Rebirth” appears to strike a balance between honoring its roots and forging a new path, providing viewers, both old and new, with an engaging experience that emphasizes creativity and nostalgia. The film not only serves as a thrilling adventure but also pays tribute to the beloved series that captivated audiences for decades. With its clever callbacks and thrilling sequences, it reinforces the enduring message that even in fictionalized chaos, life finds a way.