Dinosaurs, the captivating creatures that once ruled the Earth, have always held a special place in the hearts of both children and adults alike. Despite being the central focus of the monumental box-office hit “Jurassic Park,” Hollywood has surprisingly underutilized these magnificent creatures in the world of cinema. While legendary special effects wizards like Ray Harryhausen and Phil Tippett breathed life into dinosaurs through their craft, modern-day big-screen encounters with these prehistoric beasts have become a rarity, except for the ongoing Jurassic series. However, Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, the creative minds behind “A Quiet Place,” have now ventured into the realm of dinosaurs with their latest dino-disaster-movie.
Unveiling an Alien Encounter: Dinosaurs as Deadly Extraterrestrials
Beck and Woods present an intriguing premise in their film: What if a spaceman from another world crash-landed on our planet 65 million years ago, during the Cretaceous Period when dinosaurs reigned supreme? This simple yet effective sci-fi concept flips the narrative of dinosaurs from fascinating creatures to menacing, unknown aliens. By reframing dinosaurs as deadly adversaries rather than objects of awe, the filmmakers tap into primal fears and unleash a bone-chilling survivalist thriller.
While “65” doesn’t pioneer any groundbreaking territory, it remains a compact, impactful, and predominantly innovative film from the studio.
Lean and Gripping Plot: A Journey Through Hostile Territory
The movie wastes no time in thrusting viewers into the heart of the action. Adam Driver’s character, Mills, crash lands on Earth within the first ten minutes, setting the stage for a gripping adventure. The film maintains a lean narrative, featuring only four significant speaking roles, with one character, Koa (Ariana Greenblatt), communicating in a different language. Mills, haunted by personal troubles, finds solace and purpose in protecting Koa, who serves as a surrogate daughter figure. With echoes of classic films like “Planet of the Apes,” the story primarily focuses on survival rather than social commentary, drawing inspiration from the filmmakers’ horror background to create a suspenseful and tension-filled experience.
Prehistoric Perils and Visually Stunning Landscapes
In the treacherous world of prehistoric nature, danger lurks around every corner, keeping the characters on edge and viewers on the edge of their seats. As expected, obstacles arise, requiring problem-solving skills and a determined journey from point A to point B. Of course, the journey is not without its share of menacing Tyrannosaurus rex encounters, providing exhilarating thrills. Although the film takes some liberties with paleontological accuracy, opting to depict featherless dinosaurs, the creatures remain both captivating and terrifying. Despite occasional plot holes, the movie’s visually stunning presentation, blending epic landscape cinematography and seamless CGI, adds to its overall appeal.
Adam Driver’s Compelling Performance Anchors the Film
As he has demonstrated in the “Star Wars” franchise, Adam Driver delivers a compelling performance that adds depth to his genre character. Even when the screenplay falls short, Driver’s thoughtfulness and humanistic approach lend credibility to the film’s bombastic nature. His chemistry with Ariana Greenblatt, despite the language barrier between their characters, emanates a genuine warmth, further enhancing the emotional core of the story. Driver and Greenblatt admirably commit themselves to the project, elevating the experience for audiences.
A Fresh and Original Major Studio Film
“65” may not break new cinematic ground or challenge established conventions, but it stands as a short, intense, and mostly original major studio movie. Free from the constraints of a franchise or intellectual property, the film offers a breath of fresh air in an industry often saturated with sequels and reboots. In a time when original concepts are threatened with extinction, “65” serves as a reminder of the power of standalone storytelling. And let’s not forget—the movie features a thrilling encounter with a T-Rex, reminding us that sometimes, that alone is enough to captivate audiences.
A Dino-Thriller Worth Experiencing
“65” is a thrilling journey into the prehistoric unknown. With its unique perspective on dinosaurs as deadly extraterrestrials, a gripping plot, visually stunning landscapes, and a captivating performance by Adam Driver, the film offers an entertaining escape into a world where survival hangs by a thread. While not revolutionary, “65” demonstrates the value of originality in the realm of blockbuster filmmaking and rekindles our fascination with these timeless creatures. Prepare to embark on an adventure where danger roams and excitement awaits at every turn.
