The BBC review called the film “gloomy and depressing,” but that’s not the critical takeaway from the pan.

[“Dial of Destiny”] has the air of a film passing the torch (or whip) to the next generation. But it does all this in an even gloomier fashion than The Force Awakens did. I’m not sure how many fans want to see Indiana Jones as a broken, helpless old man who cowers in the corner while his patronising goddaughter takes the lead, but that’s what we’re given, and it’s as bleak as it sounds.

Ouch. …

Others feared Waller-Bridge’s character would be Hollywood’s latest Mary Sue figure — a flawless heroine lacking the shades of gray that make heroes pop off the screen. Think both Rey and Rose Tico from the recent “Star Wars” sequels.

Here’s The Hollywood Reporter confirming those fears, too.

[One of the trailers included Indy’s goddaughter accusing him of “stealing from indigenous peoples,” which sent up red flags with some observers. Some may not remember that Raiders (and Temple of Doom too) also had a scene where he was accused of something similar, so I was willing to give the film the benefit of the doubt. But if these early reviews are accurate, we may be looking at something more along the lines of the Star Wars fumble, which isn’t exactly surprising since some of the same people are involved. My enthusiasm for the new Indy adventure has lessened, let’s say. But worth noting: the 43% rotten rating thus far is only based on 16 reviews. It may still surprise. — Ed]