‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’ review: Harrison Ford says farewell in this nostalgic, thrilling final chapter | Cannes

Taking the reins from Steven Spielberg is no easy feat, but James Mangold proves that he’s up for the task with this adventurous fifth and final entry into the Indiana Jones franchise. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is a thrilling, action-packed swan song for the iconic character.

Beginning amidst World War II in war-torn Germany, a de-aged Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) and Professor Basel Shaw (Toby Jones) are captured by a platoon of Nazi soldiers on a train loaded with valuable artifacts. This is where the Dial of Destiny comes in as Jürgen Voller (Mads Mikkelsen) tries to convince the higher-ups of its value, but his attempts are thwarted by the escape of Indiana and Basel who manage to grab the dial and take it with them. A chase ensues as Voller desperately confronts Indy on the top of the high-speed train, but things are cut abruptly short as the train crashes.

Fast forward a couple of decades to the 1960s, and we are re-introduced to an older Indiana Jones who is a soon-to-be-retired professor living in New York City. Unbeknownst to him, he will be quickly thrust back into his old life as his goddaughter Helena Shaw (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) shows up searching for the dial. But she’s not the only one searching for the dial as Indiana and Helena cross paths with a very familiar face from the 1940s. Voller is somehow alive and has a mini army who have made it their mission to find the legendary dial to change the course of history.

This throws us into a film that goes by at a breakneck pace, zipping across Europe and Africa as Indiana Jones and Co. search for the titular MacGuffin. There is little time for character development as the film remains fully plot-driven, the only characters that we get to, relatively, know are Mads Mikkelsen’s Jürgen and Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Helena. Waller-Bridge plays Helena as wise-cracking, witty and determined; basically her Fleabag-self but in an action-adventure movie. At times the jokes are a bit too much, but it does bring some needed laughs and levity to this otherwise serious and explosive thriller. Mikkelsen plays his villain with conviction as his character assuredly outdoes and predicts his nemesis’ every move, making Indiana unknowingly do his bidding. The rest of the ensemble does a fine job, but no one else really stands out apart from the titular character himself.

Harrison Ford finds a fitting end to one of cinema’s greatest action heroes, and one of the most iconic roles of his career, with this film. It’s seriously great to see Ford in action for one last wild, non-stop ride as he gives it his all, more so physically than emotionally. It ends on a meaningful note as Indiana Jones, supposedly, hangs his hat for the last time after having the adventure of a lifetime, traveling back in time by harnessing the Dial of Destiny. 

Some may ask, why is this movie a reality? Do we need another Indiana Jones? The simple answer is no, the only reason it exists is money, the Hollywood sequel machine came calling and Mangold happened to answer. However, on a story level, it’s clear that the idea was to find some sort of redemption after Indiana Jones’ previous blunder 15 years ago. Mangold reignites the franchise and finds some Spielberg magic with Ford v Ferrari cinematographer Phedon Papamichael. Inspired by original Indiana Jones DOP Douglas Slocombe’s beautiful, imaginative work, Papamichael pays homage with his imagery, especially through lighting, but also establishes a look that is somewhere in between modern (think of any James Mangold film), and in the style of films from yesteryear. There is a magical quality to the cave-set chase scenes as the cinematography harnesses pockets of light streaking across an otherwise dingy location. Dramatisation is key, it’s part of the franchise’s DNA, albeit it doesn’t have the same raw tension or excess of awe-inspiring moments that made the Spielberg films so special.

There is a fine balance with nostalgia here as there is a huge importance to make not just a good film but one that stands up to Indiana Jones’ enormous legacy. Mangold does a good job stepping into Spielberg’s shoes, delivering a well-made, entertaining picture that is leaps above its tarnished Crystal predecessor. For those unacquainted or less attached, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny may be disappointing as it bets on the fact that the audience is mega fans. Although it has its problems, there is plenty to relish with this thrilling joyride down memory lane as Ford puts the hat on for one last time.

Grade: B

This review is from the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. Walt Disney and Paramount Pictures will release Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny on June 30, 2023.