‘The Flash’ (2023) Movie Review - A Speedy Trip Through the DC Multiverse

The Flash is a mind-bending and emotional superhero movie that explores the consequences of time travel and the multiverse. Despite the past controversies in the actor’s personal life, Ezra Miller gives a stellar performance as Barry Allen, a young and quirky speedster who works as a forensic scientist for the Central City Police Department. He has a fascination with time travel and hopes to use his superpowers to go back in time and save his mother from being killed by a mysterious assailant when he was a child. However, his attempt to change the past has unforeseen consequences, as he finds himself in an alternate 2013 where his mother is alive and happily living with his father but the world has no metahumans such as Superman, Wonder Woman, or Aquaman.

In this new reality, Barry loses his powers in the same type of accident he first got them from. He also meets his past self from 2013, who has not yet obtained his powers. Together, they try to restore the original timeline by finding and assembling the Justice League, but they fail to locate most of the members. They only manage to find Batman, who turns out to be an older and grizzled version of Bruce Wayne from another timeline. This Batman is played by Michael Keaton, who reprises his role from the Tim Burton films of the late 1980s and early 1990s. In this timeline, he retired from being the ‘Caped Crusader’ because Gotham has become one of the safest, crime-free cities in the world.

Barry and Batman also encounter Supergirl, a powerful and mysterious Kryptonian who is also Kal-El's cousin. She is played by Sasha Calle, who makes history as the first Latina actress to portray the character in any media. She has been kept prisoner by a terrorist group in Siberia, but Batman along with two Barry Allen rescues her. She also forms a bond with Barry and helps him to get his powers back.

The movie is directed by Andy Muschietti, who brings his horror sensibilities and visual flair to the DC universe. The action sequences are spectacular and inventive, showcasing Barry's speed powers in creative ways. The humor is also well-balanced and never feels forced or out of place. The movie has a heart and a message about family, friendship, and responsibility that resonates with the audience.

The movie also features several cameo appearances by other DC characters from different media. For instance, there is a scene where Barry briefly meets Grant Gustin's version of The Flash from the CW TV series during his travel through the Speed Force. There is also a scene where Barry encounters Nicolas Cage's version of Superman from Tim Burton's canceled Superman Lives project.

Barry accepts his mother’s fate and reverses the alterations he caused to the timeline. However, he subtly modifies the past, creating new proof in the present day that clears Henry’s name. After coming back to the present and freeing Henry, Barry receives a call from Bruce who looks different again due to Barry’s timeline change.

The Flash is a highly entertaining and satisfying superhero movie that offers a fresh and exciting take on the DC universe. It is a must-watch for fans of The Flash and Batman and anyone who enjoys a good time-travel adventure.

The movie can be seen as DC's version of Marvel's Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021), Both movies capitalized on the nostalgia factor and fan service by bringing back beloved characters from the past. 

Final Score – [7/10]
Reviewed by - Arpita Mondal