David Robert Mitchell writes and directs this survival film which sees Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor attempt to lead their family to safety after their town becomes plagued with dinosaurs from a strange cosmic event. Transporting their neighbourhood to someplace unknown, the Platt family must become resourceful to navigate their new surroundings. In The End of Oak Street (2026), Hathaway’s Denise and McGregor’s Greg are suffering marital issues with a possible divorce on the horizon.
But with Denise secretly writing a book about her marriage and Greg struggling to bring in money, their relationship is at breaking point. Their children, the book smart Audrey (Maisy Stella) and adventurous Brian (Christian Convery) bring different values to the family dynamics. Backed with an epic producers list with Mitchell, J.J. Abrams, Hannah Minghella, Matt Jackson, Jon Cohen, and Tommy Harper it’s no wonder this film goes all-out larger-than-life.
The End of Oak Street (2026)
Strong Female Characters
But one night after hearing mysterious rumbling and seeing strange bright lights, everything changes. Ferocious dinosaurs now rule the streets. The Platt family must learn to work together rather than fighting against each other. Despite its slightly far-fetched storyline, it shapes the female characters with upmost intelligence. Both Denise and Audrey are great examples of strong on-screen characters who can hold their own. Eccentric characters fill the town with irritable neighbour, Mel (P.J. Byrne) and Audrey’s trusted reader, Mrs. Huddleston (Anne Gee Byrd).
There’s action adventure mixed with survivalist thriller, science-fiction, and mystery. Out of their comfort zone of suburbia, the family are thrown into a rural environment with their livelihoods upended. Hathaway’s Denise is fiercely loyal and her transformation from a distraught housewife with a dream to become a full-time author makes her a great character to get behind. Denise has got to fight for her family and turn the switch on for full-out survival mode. Behind its story is trust, family connection, and loving each other despite the hardships. Each member of the Platt family is going through a tough time pre-disaster.
The End of Oak Street: A Homage to Spielberg Films
But through experiencing such a whirlwind event, it forces them to work together and appreciate each other. Denise is a strong female character who discovers herself again throughout this disaster. Although, this tragic event reignites the importance of her family and makes her re-think how much they mean to her.
Denise is intelligent, resourceful, and knows her own worth along with what she wants, which Hathaway plays brilliantly. Yet Denise feels like a final girl despite the absence of horror elements. And we want her to live to tell her story. The family is positioned at the forefront here with dinosaurs in the background to show how built-up emotions, sadness, and empathy for each other is the real mission behind surviving.
The End of Oak Street feels like a homage to Spielberg’s earlier work. There are elements which serve as reminders to E.T. The Extra Terrestrial (1982) and Jurassic Park (1993). Although there’s violence, it’s mixed in with funny lines, feel-good heartwarming family connection, and edge-of-your seat saves.
Rating: 3 ½ stars
The End of Oak Street is released across UK cinemas on 14th August.
You can read more reviews, including Sunny Dancer (2026) here.
