The Dinosaur Project is a British science fiction thriller movie directed by Sid Bennett and released by StudioCanal on August 10, 2012. The movie is presented in a found footage style, which approaches the story in a realistic and thrilling fashion. The plot revolves around a group of experts who are sent on an expedition to the Congo in response to reports of strange creatures in the area. The team faces various unexpected obstacles and run-ins with a range of dinosaur species, leading them on a wild adventure in search of the source of the mystery.
Plot
The movie begins with the British Cryptozoological Society forming a group of experts to investigate reports of the Mokele-mbembe, a mysterious creature sighted near a river in the Congo. The team, led by Jonathan, includes his son Luke, assistant Charlie, medic Liz, guide Amara, and pilot Etienne. The team is also supported by TV crew members Dave and Pete.
After being flown in a helicopter to the jungle, the team sees a group of large birds flying towards them. They are Pteranodons that crash into the helicopter, causing it to fall. Jonathan wakes up other team members, and they rush to leave the helicopter before it explodes. They manage to escape, except for Etienne who perishes with the helicopter. Amara tells them to go to the nearest traditional village, which they do.
At the village, they notice it is empty, and there is blood everywhere. They decide to stay at one of the clean huts. During the night, motion is detected outside the hut, and they realize that it is a group of reptilian bat-like creatures. They immediately panic and run outside the hut, fleeing in two boats they find nearby. Unfortunately, Liz doesn’t survive the attack.
Encounter with Dinosaurs
They float on the river for a long time and are eventually attacked by unseen creatures underwater that damage both boats. They manage to reach an island where Jonathan decides to camp. The team sees a Dilophosaurus and becomes fascinated with it. The team captures it and names it Crypto. They put a camera on Crypto’s neck to track its movements, but the camera detaches and falls near a big tree.
The next morning, Luke and Chris, another team member, attempt to put the camera back on Crypto but fail. Thankfully, Jonathan finds Luke and Chris. Suddenly, an Elasmosaurus, known as Mokele-mbembe appears, and they start recording it. Unfortunately, they are attacked by a vicious Pliosaurus. Charlie and Luke run away. Charlie requests Luke to fix the satellite phone, so they can call for help. When they find what they presume is the doorway where the dinosaurs came from, Charlie pushes Luke inside it.
Luke walks while recording with his camera to find Crypto. He follows it so deep into the jungle that he gets attacked by a group of animals that have overrun their camp. Pete tries to seek revenge but ends up fatally wounded. Chris is revealed to have pushed Jonathan from a cliff, causing his death.
In conclusion, The Dinosaur Project is a movie that offers action, adventure, drama, horror, science fiction, and thriller all in one insane ride. The movie utilizes a found footage style to create an intense and thrilling viewing experience. The team’s journey takes unexpected turns, and their run-ins with various dinosaurs make for a wild adventure. This storyline brings the audience’s imagination to life, laying the foundation of what could be an excellent leading movie to a possible new dinosaur franchise.
