WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Justice League Dark: Apokolips War, now available on Digital HD.
When reports broke that Justice League Dark: Apokolips War would signal the end of the DC Animated Movie Universe, speculation ran rampant as to how the movie would unfold. Many wondered if it'd conclude with Darkseid actually winning against the League following Superman's plans to take him down first.
Others wondered if there'd be some sort of magic, as Constantine's involved, that would branch us off into a different reality. However, it's not about alternate realities or spinoff dimensions; existence is rewritten the same way this animated realm began, with a Flashpoint.
In 2013, Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox saw Barry Allen try to save his mother, creating a fractured timeline. It was very similar to the DC Comics storyline, as the Amazons and Atlanteans went to war with each other, with Flash eventually being helped by Thomas Wayne/Batman. He'd go on to stop the villain, Eobard Thawne, and run into the Speed Force to prevent himself from making the change in the first place. A ripple effect ensued that gave birth to this animated universe where the DCAU movies would interconnect, similar to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
At the end of Paradox, Darkseid's Parademons arrived just like the Thanos tease at the end of The Avengers. Then, Justice League: War would signal the first strike from Apokolips, as Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman recruited heroes to join the cause. Now, this latest film is the culmination of all that. The Teen Titans are in the mix, as well as what's left of the Suicide Squad to try to lead one last attack on Darkseid's fortress.
But In Apokolips War, Barry's reason for running and resetting reality is way different. Back then, he knew what he did by saving his mother was wrong. He reaped death and destruction afterward and learned from this mistake. In fact, with Iris now dead, Barry's trying to keep his promise not to do such an act again. However, Constantine is the one egging the Scarlet Speedster on, probably because he knows Zatanna could come back to life. She died in the first missive against Darkseid and while the heroes made it back this time, Earth has been decimated. Darkseid's Reapers damaged its core and billions are going to die soon. They're doomed so Constantine asks him to "clear the board" and bring back a world that while it might be imperfect, it's still better than a broken one. And so, Barry's not trying to fix a mistake; he's playing god and trying to recreate the universe.
While it's a selfish move, Barry is desperate as it's clear hope is dead. Wonder Woman and the remaining Furies are defeated mentally, Batman doesn't even have contingency plans and while Superman acts as the voice of reason to try to find a solution, Barry knows the end is nigh. The same way he created this world, Flash has to end it with a reality wave from Flashpoint washing over everyone. No one tries to stop him because they've all lost dearly. It's the one shot at redemption for the heroes and as Damian kisses Raven, the white-hot light fades into the credits not even giving fans a tease at the new world to come.
Justice League Dark: Apokolips War stars Matt Ryan as John Constantine, Jerry O'Connell as Superman, Taissa Farmiga as Raven, Stuart Allan as Robin, Tony Todd as Darkseid, Jason O'Mara as Batman, Rosario Dawson as Wonder Woman, Shemar Moore as Cyborg, Christopher Gorham as the Flash, Rebecca Romijn as Lois Lane and Rainn Wilson as Lex Luthor. The film is out on Digital HD and arrives on Blu-ray May 19.