The Flash Review: The Consequences Of “Flashpoint”

(Note: This article contains spoiler content for ‘The Flash’, We request that you watch the film in theaters.)

The Flash is a thrilling and complicated journey through time and multiple timelines. Directed by Andy Muschietti and starring Ezra Miller as Barry Allen, the film explores the consequences of Barry’s attempt to prevent his mother’s murder, leading to unexpected and dramatic events.

The film opens with Flash and Batman (Ben Affleck) teaming up to chase down bank robbers. Unfortunately, the robbers caused an explosion at a hospital. Flash saves the doctors and patients, while Batman captures the criminals.

In the movie, Barry gains his superpowers after being struck by lightning while investigating his mother’s murder in 2013. He was even present during the Battle of Metropolis, helping to evacuate civilians.

Barry’s attempt to free his father from prison doesn’t go well. However, Bruce Wayne comes to his aid, and they discuss Barry’s idea of traveling back in time to save his mother.

Despite Bruce’s warnings about the dangers, Barry stubbornly runs back to 2001 and does something unexpected – he steals a can of tomato soup from a grocery store.

By changing the past, Barry’s actions result in his mother not being home when she was supposed to be. But when he tries to return to 2023, he is attacked by a dark version of himself known as Dark Flash. This confrontation sends Barry back to 2013, where he discovers his mother alive and encounters his younger self.

Present Barry realizes that his past self won’t gain powers in the new timeline because his mother is alive. To ensure his past self’s transformation, Barry intentionally gets struck by lightning but loses his own powers in the process.

When General Zod (Michael Shannon) threatens Earth and Superman is nowhere to be found, the two versions of Barry seek Batman’s help at Wayne Manor. Surprisingly, they meet an aging and retired Batman (Michael Keaton) instead of Ben Affleck.

Barry comes to understand that his actions have inadvertently entangled different timelines and that he must find a way to fix the mess he created. Bruce initially hesitates but ultimately agrees to assist and suits up as Batman.

During their mission, Batman believes they have located Kal-El, also known as Superman, in a military base in Siberia. However, they discover it’s actually Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin, who has been imprisoned since childhood.

Kara, also known as Supergirl (Sasha Calle), temporarily leaves the group upon reaching sunlight and activating her powers. But she later returns to save them from the guards. The heroes bring Kara back to Wayne Manor, where Past Barry develops feelings for her.

Batman attempts to restore Barry’s powers by electrocuting him, but the plan fails. It is Kara who helps Barry regain his abilities by flying him into a storm where he is struck by lightning, restoring his powers.

As the formidable General Zod starts terraforming the Earth in the desert, the Flashes, Batman, and Supergirl join forces to confront him, leading to an epic battle.

In a recurring pattern, the battle always concludes with either Batman or Supergirl losing their lives. The Flashes repeatedly travel back in time, trying to prevent this outcome, but their efforts prove fruitless.

Present Barry eventually accepts that this moment is a fixed point in the new timeline. However, Past Barry stubbornly refuses to acknowledge it and keeps trying to change things until he disappears into the Speed Force.

Dark Flash, a future version of the Past Barry who resents Present Barry for altering the past, resurfaces. He has spent years traveling through time, attempting different methods without success, and now believes he must eliminate Barry to save the world.

Barry realizes his grave mistake and races back, desperately trying to undo his actions. The Dark Flash relentlessly pursues him, considering Barry too dangerous to live.

Right as Dark Flash prepares to kill Barry, Past Barry from an earlier timeline returns and sacrifices himself to save Present Barry, causing Dark Flash to vanish.

Flash races back to 2001, passing through different timelines and universes along the way, leading to exciting cameos including Christopher Reeve, Adam West, Lynda Carter, Nicolas Cage, George Clooney, and Teddy Sears.

Overall, The Flash is an ambitious and visually stunning superhero film that delves into the consequences of time travel and the choices we make. It successfully integrates multiple DC characters and universes, creating an immersive and thrilling experience. With strong performances and thought-provoking themes, The Flash movie ends the Syderverse.

Our rating for ‘The Flash’ is ★★★★½ (4.5/5 stars)

Also See: ‘The Flash’ Post-Credits Update: End of the Snyderverse