The Flash Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

Trailer

Director: Andy Muschietti
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Superhero
Release year: 2023
Runtime (length): 2h 24min
IMDb rating: 6.6/10 (229K votes)
Rotten Tomatoes: 63%

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0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A guy runs fast, messes with time to save his mom, meets himself, Batman from the 80s, and a Supergirl while fighting a guy who really hates Kryptonians.

🍿 The Flash: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Barry’s Time-Traveling Decision

Barry Allen, aka The Flash, grapples with the wrongful imprisonment of his father for the murder of his mother. Driven by grief and a desire to change the past, Barry uses his powers to travel back in time, ignoring warnings about the potential consequences of altering the timeline. His intention is simple: prevent his mother’s death.

A Fractured Timeline

Barry’s actions create an alternate 2013 where his mother is alive, but the world is drastically different. He encounters a younger version of himself who hasn’t yet gained his powers. Crucially, there’s no Justice League to protect Earth. This timeline is also threatened by the return of General Zod, setting the stage for a catastrophic invasion.

Seeking Allies: Batman and Supergirl

Desperate, Barry seeks out allies to combat Zod. He discovers an older, retired Batman (Michael Keaton), who explains the complex nature of time travel and the multiverse. They also find Kara Zor-El (Supergirl), imprisoned by the Russians, who offers a powerful, yet initially reluctant, ally against Zod’s impending invasion. This sets the stage for a showdown where the fate of multiple realities hangs in the balance.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

If you plan to watch the movie first, watch here and come back to this section afterward.

See Spoilers and Ending

The Unraveling Multiverse and a Tragic Sacrifice (SPOILERS)

As the two Barrys and their allies fight Zod, the younger Barry’s repeated attempts to alter the past cause the multiverse to begin collapsing. The original Barry confronts a future version of the younger Barry, consumed by the desire to save his world, revealing the terrifying consequences of unchecked time travel. This future Barry ultimately impales his younger self, a sacrifice that stabilizes the timeline.

Acceptance and a Subtle Change (SPOILERS)

The original Barry makes the difficult decision to revert the timeline, accepting his mother’s death. However, he makes one small alteration, moving the tomato cans in the grocery store. Returning to his present, his father is exonerated thanks to the altered security footage. But the alteration causes Bruce Wayne’s appearance to change – replaced by George Clooney. This emphasizes the ripple effect of even minor changes in the past and the unpredictable nature of the multiverse.

Thematic Resonance (SPOILERS)

The ending underscores the film’s central theme: accepting loss and understanding the limitations of control. Barry learns that not all problems can be solved by changing the past, and that sometimes, the most heroic act is letting go. The final scene, with the changed Bruce Wayne, serves as a reminder that the multiverse is in constant flux and even small actions can have significant and unexpected repercussions.

🎬 Cast & Characters

Barry Allen (Ezra Miller): A forensic investigator who becomes The Flash and travels back in time to try and save his mother, creating a dangerous alternate timeline.
Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton): An older, retired version of Batman from an alternate timeline who reluctantly helps Barry restore the timeline.
Kara Zor-El (Sasha Calle): A Kryptonian and Kal-El’s cousin, imprisoned and discovered by Barry and Bruce in an alternate timeline.
General Zod (Michael Shannon): A Kryptonian general who returns in the altered timeline to threaten Earth.
Nora Allen (Maribel Verdú): Barry’s deceased mother, whose death he attempts to prevent by traveling through time.
Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck): The Batman from Barry’s original timeline, who warns him about the dangers of time travel.

💬 Memorable Quotes

Batman: “You can’t dwell on the past.” – Batman says this to Barry, warning him about the dangers of trying to change the past, drawing from his own experiences with loss.
Barry Allen: “I’m the Flash, and I’m here to save you.” – Barry’s determined declaration, showcasing his heroism and commitment to protecting others, even in unfamiliar realities.
Batman: “Let’s get nuts.” – Batman uses a direct callback to his line from the 1989 Batman film.
Bruce Wayne: “Time travel doesn’t create a branch, but a fulcrum.” – Old Batman explaining how messing with the past creates a new timeline

💰Box Office

Budget: $200,000,000
Domestic Gross: $108,133,313
Worldwide Gross: $271,433,313

💥 The Flash Reviews

Personal Review

I went into this movie with tempered expectations, and I was pleasantly surprised. Seeing Michael Keaton back as Batman gave me goosebumps, and Sasha Calle’s Supergirl was a great addition. Some CGI was ropey, but the story and character interactions were genuinely engaging. The film is definitely fan-service and more, but it had heart, which elevated the experience.

Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of superhero movies, especially DC comics.”
- “Viewers interested in time travel and multiverse storylines.”
- “Those nostalgic for Michael Keaton’s Batman.”
- “Those looking for a mix of action, comedy, and emotional moments.”
Content warnings ⚠:
- “Fantasy Violence and action sequences.”
- “Some intense scenes involving peril and sacrifice.”
- “Thematic elements dealing with grief and loss.”

Professional Reviews

FandomWire: “The Flash is a goofy movie, and attempts at lowbrow humor. There are genuinely dramatic parts, when Ezra Miller isn’t mugging for the camera, and I’d be lying if I said my childhood heart didn’t surge with joy almost every time a Tim Burton’s Batman reference was made. The Flash was disappointing.
Slash Film: “I have to say ‘The Flash’ is about as much as I can enjoy one of these types of movies. The movie is basically fan-service on overdrive. Anything a mega-fan has always wanted to see is likely going to show up at some stage in this movie. If that’s your kind of thing then you are going to be in heaven.
IMDB: “I just got out of The Flash. The stand out for me, was Michael Keaton. When Batman is doing his things and Danny Elfman’s iconic score is booming, it’s a joy. The CGI at that moment is my biggest complaint.

Audience Reactions

Michael Keaton’s return as Batman was a highlight for many viewers.: Fans praised the movie’s balance of action, humor, and emotional depth.

Sasha Calle’s Supergirl was liked by audences as an excellent addition: Fans of the film are suprised with all the cameos.

Overall Consensus: The Flash is a polarizing film with praise for its fan service and performances, countered by criticism of its CGI and uneven tone. It’s a fun ride with some low points.

Awards

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🛠️ Behind the Scenes

“Michael Keaton’s return as Batman was heavily marketed, generating excitement for fans of the Tim Burton Batman films.”
“The film draws inspiration from the Flashpoint comic book storyline, a popular and impactful story in The Flash mythos.”
“The Flash incorporates elements from previous DCEU films, including the return of Michael Shannon as General Zod, connecting it to Man of Steel.”
“The movie features multiple cameos and alternate versions of characters, exploring the concept of the multiverse within the DC universe.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Flash?

The Flash (2023) is currently available for streaming on Max. You can also rent or purchase the movie on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Flash, you might like these similar films:

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018): Explores the multiverse concept with multiple versions of Spider-Man, similar to how The Flash features multiple Barry Allens and Batmans.
Back to the Future (1985): Deals with time travel and its consequences, a core theme in The Flash, making it a classic example of the genre.
X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014): Involves time travel to alter the past and prevent a dystopian future, sharing thematic elements with The Flash’s storyline.
Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox (2013): Animated movie adapting the Flashpoint storyline, the direct source material for The Flash. Showcasing the same basic plot line.

🛒 The Flash Related Products

The Flash: The Complete Series (Blu-ray): Catch up on all nine seasons of the TV series. It is a great way to explore the Flash lore.
DC Multiverse The Flash Movie – Michael Keaton Batman Action Figure: The highly detailed figure features multiple points of articulation and includes a batarang accessory. The ultimate memento of the DC Multiverse.
The Flash Funko Pop! Vinyl Figures: Collect your favorite characters from The Flash movie. Display them proudly on shelves or desks.
The Flash Logo T-Shirt: Show your support for the fastest man alive with this stylish logo t-shirt. Available in various sizes.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Flash features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

Is The Flash movie part of the DCEU?

Yes, The Flash (2023) is officially part of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU), though it’s intended to act as a soft reboot leading into James Gunn’s new DC Universe.

Does The Flash movie have a post-credits scene?

Yes, The Flash features a post-credits scene. In the scene, Barry is with Aquaman and is trying to explain the multiverse. However, Aquaman is drunk and doesn’t understand.

Who is the villain in The Flash movie?

The main antagonist is General Zod, reprised by Michael Shannon. However, the film also deals with the consequences of Barry’s own actions as he faces off against alternate versions of himself.

Who plays Batman in The Flash?

The Flash features two actors portraying Batman: Ben Affleck appears briefly as the Batman from the established DCEU, while Michael Keaton reprises his role as Batman from the 1989 and 1992 films. This role is what many see as a saving grace to the movie.

Why does Bruce Wayne look different at the end of The Flash?

The change in Bruce Wayne’s appearance (from Ben Affleck to George Clooney) is a direct result of Barry’s alteration to the timeline at the end of the film. It illustrates the butterfly effect and how even seemingly minor changes can have major consequences within the multiverse.

🔥 Bonus Content

The Flash – A Hot Mess

Join The Critical Drinker for a no-holds-barred analysis of ‘The Flash’, diving into its potential and uncovering its perceived flaws. Get ready for an insightful and entertaining critique!

The Flash POST-CREDITS Scene and ENDING EXPLAINED!

Unravel the mysteries of ‘The Flash’ with ScreenCrush! This video breaks down the film’s thrilling ending and post-credit scenes, exploring their impact on the DCU. Prepare for mind-blowing revelations and a deeper understanding of the movie’s significance.

The Flash is a Beautiful Lie

Embark on a thought-provoking journey with HiTop Films as they delve into the hidden depths of ‘The Flash’. This video essay analyzes the film’s themes, DCEU connections, and complexities. Brace yourself for a deeper understanding of the movie’s impact and significance.

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