In the realm of low-budget creature features, “Jurassic Triangle” emerges as a perplexing entry. Directed by Victor De Almeida and penned by Harry Boxley, this film promised an adventurous escape with its premise of colleagues stranded on a dinosaur-infested island. However, as I delved into the movie, it became clear that what was intended to be a thrilling survival story turned into a bewildering experience marred by inconsistent CGI and a scattered plot.
The story kicks off with a bizarre scene that immediately sets the tone for the rest of the film: three unnamed individuals stumble upon an odd assortment of items – a pile of logs, a tarp, and what looks like a gas-powered garden tiller on an uncharted island. This puzzling start is quickly overshadowed by these characters becoming dinosaur fodder, a rapid introduction to the island’s dangers.
We’re then introduced to the main cast – Drew (Darrell Griggs), waking from a nightmare, aboard a helicopter with Isaac (Toby Redpath), Beth (Sian Altman), and their pilot, Captain “Call me Andy” Rawson (Rob Kirtley). They are en route to a team-building retreat in the Caribbean, with another helicopter carrying Jason (Connor Powles) and Phillipa (Chrissie Wunna), piloted by Jenny (Dorothea Jones).
The helicopters encounter turbulence and crash on what appears to be more of the English countryside than anything tropical. This sets the stage for the real conflict as the survivors encounter the island’s prehistoric and monstrously hungry inhabitants.
The dynamic among the survivors, initially filled with corporate retreat enthusiasm, quickly devolves into a fight for survival. Chrissie Wunna as Phillipa shows potential as a leader, trying to maintain calm and rationality amidst the chaos. Connor Powles’ portrayal of Jason adds a layer of complexity, especially as they interact with the mercenaries they meet later.
The mercenaries, played by Andre Pierre, James Millen, and Amelie Leroy, add a human antagonist element, shifting the narrative from a simple survival story to one involving deceit and survival politics. Their performances, particularly Amelie Leroy’s, bring a much-needed edge to the film, though the character development remains thin across the board.
Where “Jurassic Triangle” notably falters is in its CGI and special effects. The dinosaurs and other creatures, which should be the centerpiece of terror, are hindered by low-budget CGI that lacks texture and realism. The designs show creativity, but the execution falls flat, failing to deliver the visceral impact needed in a monster movie. This is exacerbated by the appearance of a creature from “Monster Portal,” whose scream-induced explosions are more comical than terrifying.
Despite these visual shortcomings, there are a couple of practical effects, like a realistically portrayed broken leg, that manage to elicit a more genuine sense of horror.
Harry Boxley’s script is where the film’s primary inconsistencies lie. Scenes like finding coconuts in a non-tropical setting and characters dying randomly (seemingly from plot necessity rather than narrative logic) contribute to an overall sense of disarray. These elements could have lent themselves to a campy, so-bad-it’s-good film, but the lack of commitment to either genuine horror or intentional humor leaves the film in a limbo.
One of the most jarring elements is the film’s ending, which attempts to shock but ends up feeling unearned and predictable against the film’s established tone.
Victor De Almeida’s direction struggles to harmonize the film’s conflicting elements. The pacing is brisk, which in some cases helps move past the weaker CGI scenes quickly, but also rushes through moments that could have used more development. The film’s tone swings wildly, missing opportunities to lean into the absurdity of its premise for comedic effect or to build genuine suspense.
Final Thoughts
Despite its fast pacing, “Jurassic Triangle” struggles to maintain engagement. The combination of poor CGI, erratic storytelling, and missed opportunities makes it difficult for the audience to connect with the characters’ plight. The film ends up feeling like a hasty assembly of genre tropes without the necessary polish or commitment to make it memorable.
Rating: 2/5 – For fans of the genre, “Jurassic Triangle” might offer some ironic enjoyment, but for those seeking a coherent and engaging cinematic experience, this film is likely to disappoint.
