The Flash stands as a cinematic anomaly with a runtime stretching to over two hours, which it uses to juggle multitudes of elements to excellent effect. The multiple Flashes, Batmen, Supergirl, and a complex spacetime narrative all fuse a stirring mix that redefines the essence of the DC Universe.
Barry Allen, better known as The Flash, is portrayed by Ezra Miller in a remarkable performance. In a poignant moment, the speedster discovers his ability to, not only reverse time temporarily but travel through it, deciding to leverage it to prevent his mother's death. However, his actions trigger a cosmic upheaval, resulting in an alternative universe largely inspired by The Flashpoint comic book storyline where his super friends are absent, but Michael Keaton's Batman exists.
In this parallel universe, Barry is confronted with a younger, unpowered version of himself, a still-alive mother, and General Zod from the Man of Steel series, who appears with a menacing plan to terraform Earth. Here, the narrative reveals the film and its ingenious subtext - the seemingly invincible Flash wrestling with time and fate to save not just his world, but the very fabric of existence.
But the narrative doesn't shy away from the harsh truth of time travel: each iteration culminates in a heartbreaking reality - Supergirl dies, sparking a chain reaction that leads to the end of all earth-born lives. In an emotionally charged climax, the audience witnesses a showdown between different versions of Barry Allen, each striving to preserve their universe from the brink of oblivion.
