When his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, Barry Allen becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod has returned and there are no Super Heroes to turn to. In order to save the world that he is in and return to the future that he knows, Barry’s only hope is to race for his life. But will making the ultimate sacrifice be enough to reset the universe?
The Flash (2023), directed by Andy Muschietti, follows Barry Allen (Ezra Miller) as he attempts to reverse the tragic death of his mother, inadvertently creating a parallel universe where familiar heroes are altered. The film takes inspiration from the “Flashpoint” comic book storyline, where Barry’s actions cause chaos across the multiverse, triggering an invasion by General Zod (Michael Shannon) and the need to recruit other superheroes, including Supergirl (Sasha Calle) and an older version of Batman (Michael Keaton).
The film explores themes of regret, the consequences of tampering with time, and the responsibility of heroes to protect not only the present but the timeline itself. It delves into the emotional conflict Barry faces while trying to balance his desire to save his mother and the chaos his actions cause in the alternate timeline. The dynamic between Barry and his alternate self provides both humor and conflict, with one Barry being a more immature and unheroic version of the character
Here are five reasons to watch The Flash:
- Ezra Miller’s Performance: Despite mixed reviews of the story, Miller’s dual portrayal of Barry Allen adds complexity to the narrative, capturing the emotional weight of Barry’s internal struggles and offering comedic moments through his interactions with his alternate self
- Nostalgic Appeal: The film brings back Michael Keaton’s iconic Batman, providing a nostalgic treat for fans of Tim Burton’s Batman films. His return adds a layer of excitement, especially in the action-packed sequences involving the Batcave and a thrilling chase
- Exploration of the Multiverse: As part of the DC Universe’s multiverse saga, The Flash showcases alternate realities, offering an interesting take on familiar heroes and villains from the DC Comics universe
- Supergirl’s Debut: Sasha Calle’s portrayal of Supergirl introduces a fresh and powerful new hero to the DC cinematic world, expanding the universe with a new take on the Kryptonian legacy
- Visual Spectacle: With groundbreaking special effects, especially in the depiction of speed and alternate realities, The Flash offers visually stunning action sequences, from time-bending moments to large-scale battles
While the film has its flaws, particularly in its reliance on nostalgia and sometimes excessive CGI, it still offers an entertaining ride, especially for fans of superhero films and DC Comics lore.