The Flash is coming at an interesting time for the superhero genre. In the same year when Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 reminded audiences how high the genre can swing, more muted responses to films like Ant-Man & the Wasp: Quantumania have raised the possibility that the genre might be in decline. Luckily, The Flash. A well-produced, consistently funny, and surprisingly emotional roller coaster ride, making it one of the best DC Extended Universe films that tells a grounded, emotional story amidst a multiversal threat.

The Flash focuses on the titular hero, Barry Allen (Ezra Miller), who finds himself underappreciated by his teammates, ignored by his co-workers, and unable to prove his father Henry's (Ron Livingston) innocence in the mysterious death of his mother Nora (Maribel Verdú) over a decade ago. The realization that his powers can allow for time travel inspires Allen to alter one minor detail of his past. The resulting domino effect spares his mother -- but also radically alters the timeline on multiple levels, retconning many of his allies into more innocent (or even non-existent) lives. With many of his fellow heroes gone, Barry is forced to try and find a way to prevent General Zod (Michael Shannon) from achieving victory during the events of Man of Steel. Complicating matters is that Barry's best chances of undoing the damage he's caused require the help of an older and retired Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton), as well as the Barry of this timeline -- whose views on heroism are quite different.

Ezra Miller as Barry Allen/The Flash, with Barry (Miller) and Supergirl (Sasha Calle) behind them.

Superhero stories are best when they infuse natural bombast and massive stakes with grounded emotional throughlines and compelling characters. The Flash fully understands that balance and accomplishes it incredibly well. The script by Christina Hodson balances big goofy superhero action, high-stakes character drama, and even a bit of well-measured comedy with gusto. It keeps the film from feeling too weighty or loose and instead fleshes out the characters (particularly the two versions of Barry).

Director Andy Muschietti also proves to be the ideal match for the material. Often filmed with a light enough touch to work well with the film's various shifts in tone, Muschietti has a great handle on superhero action. Especially considering the film's creative uses of the Flash's abilities, the flow of action could have become difficult to follow -- but it remains clear and (more importantly) very fun throughout.

RELATED: Warner Bros. Altered The Flash's Ending Between Screenings

The Flash, played by Ezra Miller, looks down a Gotham City street in the 2023 film.

The cast juggles the film's inherent balancing act well. Miller delivers their best performance as Barry Allen, bringing self-effacing humor and pathos to both versions of the character. Returning faces from the DCEU -- including Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Jeremy Irons, and Michael Shannon -- all deliver, with Affleck, in particular, getting a great showcase for how fun his take on Batman could have been. Sasha Calle is wonderful as Supergirl, even if she's somewhat underutilized. Calle gets to the heart of what makes this Kara stand out from other Supermen and Supergirls of the past and presents an interesting hook for the character. The highlight is Michael Keaton, who fully embraces a tired and almost stir-crazy Dark Knight to deliver a performance that's impossible to not appreciate.

As fun as the movie is, what elevates The Flash is a genuinely weighty concept explored with all the bombast fans expect from the franchise. The Flash is a surprisingly emotional film, exploring concepts like the inevitability of mortality even in a world of limitless potential. The consistent undercurrent of grief and loss keeps the stakes high. In many ways, it's an ideal companion piece for the phenomenal Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, with both films touching on similar themes while embracing their genre and the legacy behind them. Bolstered by a genuinely fun and self-aware tone, The Flash is a super experience.

Michael Keaton, Ezra Miller, and Sasha Calle in The Flash (2023)
The Flash
9
10

Barry Allen uses his super speed to change the past, but his attempt to save his family creates a world without super heroes, forcing him to race for his life in order to save the future.

Release Date
June 16, 2023
Director
Andy Muschietti
Cast
Ezra Miller , Sasha Calle , Ben Affleck , Michael Shannon , Michael Keaton , Temuera Morrison , Kiersey Clemons , Antje Traue

The Flash comes to theaters on June 16.