The Flash (2023): A Speed-Driven Dive Into the Multiverse
The Flash, directed by Andy Muschietti, is one of DC's most ambitious and polarizing cinematic outings to date. With Ezra Miller reprising their role as Barry Allen, the film blends superhero spectacle, time travel, and multiverse madness in a story that attempts to reboot and reimagine the fractured DC Extended Universe (DCEU). Though it stumbles in places, The Flash delivers high-stakes action, nostalgic cameos, and emotional weight, all wrapped in a visually dynamic package.
At its core, The Flash is a story about grief, regret, and the consequences of rewriting time. Barry, still devastated by the wrongful imprisonment of his father and the murder of his mother, discovers that his super-speed allows him to travel back in time. Against the warnings of Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck), Barry decides to go back and prevent his mother’s death—setting off a chain reaction that unravels everything he knows about his world.
The film takes a page from the comic arc "Flashpoint", but adapts it with its own cinematic twists. In this new reality, there’s no Superman, the Justice League is fractured, and Earth faces annihilation from General Zod (Michael Shannon), who has returned in a timeline where no one is strong enough to stop him. To right the timeline, Barry teams up with his younger, alternate self and seeks out help from a different Batman—Michael Keaton, returning for the first time since 1992.
Keaton’s return as Batman is arguably the film’s most thrilling and nostalgic moment. His presence grounds the chaos with a quiet gravitas and adds a layer of legacy that connects eras of DC filmmaking. His scenes are packed with callbacks, from classic lines to the unforgettable Batwing silhouette against the moon. Sasha Calle also makes a strong debut as Kara Zor-El (Supergirl), bringing intensity and emotion to a character caught between worlds.
While The Flash excels in emotional beats—especially in Barry’s scenes with his mother—the film is less consistent in tone and visual execution. Some of the CGI, especially in the Speed Force sequences and multiverse cameos, has been widely criticized for feeling rushed or unfinished. There are also moments when the humor undercuts dramatic tension, and the story’s complexity can become overwhelming, particularly for casual viewers unfamiliar with DC’s multiverse lore.
Ezra Miller gives a dual performance, playing both present and alternate versions of Barry. Their portrayal adds depth to the character, especially as the older Barry watches his more naive, impulsive self make mistakes. This duality becomes a central theme: can we accept who we are without undoing the pain that shaped us?
Ultimately, The Flash is a movie about consequences. It explores the temptation to change the past and the heartbreak of letting go. In trying to be a reset for the DCEU, it also serves as a farewell to several characters and timelines, paving the way for James Gunn’s future vision of the DC Universe.
While not without flaws, The Flash is a bold, emotional, and often thrilling ride through time, memory, and identity. It asks what any of us would sacrifice to undo loss—and whether we’d still be ourselves on the other side.
