"The End of Oak Street" (2026): A Thrilling Dinosaur Movie

Don’t look now, there’s a dinosaur down the street. 

“The End of Oak Street” traveled into theaters in 2026. A family that is on its last legs ends up in a strange predicament. Their neighborhood is transported back to prehistoric times. They have to put their arguments aside and survive the attacking dinosaurs. 

Boy, did I doubt this movie hardcore. “The End of Oak Street” proved me wrong like never before. This is one epic dinosaur movie. Story-wise, it’s an average family drama that needed more fleshing out, but the dino-action is the film’s signature part.

Anne Hathaway has had a terrific year in cinema. She is one of my favorite actresses, who has evolved throughout her career. 

Hathaway said “yes” in a heartbeat to star in this film because she always wanted to work with director David Robert Mitchell. She plays Denise, the family matriarch, who is the glue that keeps everyone together. Hathaway is fierce as ever, and she knows how to act terrified. 

Ewan McGregor stars as Greg, the father and Denise’s husband, who struggles to hold his family together. Hathaway and McGregor had good scenes together. My favorite is when they witness a “crazy-stupid” moment.

Rising young stars Maisy Stella and Christian Convery play the children, Audrey and Brian. Other than running in panic and gaining courage, there’s not much for them to do. 

I’m surprised because both young actors had incredible debuts showcasing immense talent, vulnerability, and versatility. Convery played two characters in “The Monkey” (2025), and Stella was extraordinary in “My Old Ass” (2024).

Audrey and Brian meet Jeannette (Jordan Alexa Davis). To me, she is an unnecessary character. I saw the film twice, and I actually forgot that her character shows up a couple of times at the beginning. Jeannette doesn’t do much to help, and we don’t learn anything about her. 

David Mitchell Green made the creative “what if” come true. A walk through his neighborhood inspired the film. He thought, what if someone randomly spotted a dinosaur in a suburban neighborhood? Green’s idea is an example of how to create any concept you want, and if it has dinosaurs, it may work. 

Green’s direction is effective. He makes this his own film, instead of copying “Jurassic Park.” He goes for the old “Jaws” approach, delaying appearances of the dinosaurs. The dinosaurs are the best part. They’re what the film is all about. The designs are realistic. Which makes me realize - the dinosaurs had more time than the story. 

The cinematography is one of the film’s strongest elements. Mitchell collaborated with Mike Gioulakis, whom he also worked with for “It Follows” (2014). As characters run across the street, the camera doesn’t cut away and lingers in the tension. The up-close shots of characters' faces during conversations elevate the tension in the moment. 

Now for the suspenseful thriller angle. My favorite part of going to the movies is the audience reaction. I got to see two different reactions. The theater was stone quiet and gasping during one scene when a serpent preys through the house.

The film had more unexpected moments than I thought. I will never forget when my mouth hung open, or when an audience member screamed during one harrowing scene.

The film is about second chances. What if you had a chance to travel back through time to fix mistakes? Keep living your best life and believe in every moment, even if it is crazy. 

“The End of Oak Street” is a cinematic experience. My eyes were glued to the screen at every moment. The theater is the place to see it.