Once, a memorable logo famously declared, “Cheddar is better,” to promote one cheese over another. But when it comes to films, what value do cheesy films hold? Do they serve a purpose, and should substance be sacrificed for entertainment? The 2023 film “The Flood” offered me plenty to ponder on this topic.
For The Love of Creatures
A fondness for gripping creature features, especially those centered around sharks, is quite common. There’s an inherent terror in these oceanic giants, and when filmmakers capture the timeless battle between man and nature, it’s captivating to witness how often nature prevails. Yet, when humanity does manage to conquer such formidable predators, victory is immensely satisfying. This particular film shifts its focus from the deep sea to the murky swamps, spotlighting another of nature’s fearsome hunters: the alligator. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, but given the notorious ferocity of these swamp-dwellers, I anticipated a thrilling experience akin to the suspenseful shark attack films set adrift at sea.
The Baseline for Carnage
“The Flood,” doesn’t focus on a single alligator but rather a pack that is mobilized to hunt amidst the chaos of a storm. A relentless hurricane floods the city, providing the perfect conditions for these predators. With nature on their side, they already have the upper hand. However, the story unfolds with conflict, struggle, and high stakes. Who better to challenge these formidable hunters than other predators? This is where the playing field is leveled, predator against predator, with a few noble elements woven into the mix.
Laying Sandbags
The setup is textbook in nature: introduce the world, the threat, and the characters. This narrative begins with two characters seeking refuge from the storm in an abandoned shelter, only to discover some threats that cannot be kept at bay by mere walls. Their encounter with the gators is brutal and unforgiving, letting us know that whoever is going to walk away is going to need to be equal. This sets the stage for the central conflict of the story.
Into The Vortex
As the plot unfolds, viewers are introduced to a gritty ensemble of hardened criminals, each incarcerated for alarmingly violent crimes that send shivers down the spine. The ferocity of the storm, with its howling winds and torrential downpour, forces their transport bus to divert and seek refuge in a nearby prison—a facility woefully unprepared for such dangerous occupants. At the heart of this intense drama stands a female sheriff, tough as nails, her presence commanding and unyielding. Her resilience is as unbreakable as steel, and her determination, an unwavering force of nature, drives her to confront the swirling chaos head-on. She battles to maintain order amidst the encroaching peril, her every movement and decision a testament to her indomitable spirit.
Protocol as Usual
The initial setup gives viewers the impression that a fierce confrontation between the prisoners and the crocodiles is inevitable. However, an unexpected twist adds a layer of intrigue. Enter an enigmatic shadow group whose singular mission is to break out the prisoner serving time for killing a cop. With all these volatile elements confined within a single, tense location, chaos and bloodshed seem unavoidable. If the crocodiles don’t strike first, then one of the human factions surely will. Suffice it to say, the story unfolds as one would anticipate.
Lost in Translation
I wish I could claim that this film was either exceptional or even passable, but it undeniably faltered on multiple fronts. The primary culprit was the portrayal of the alligators. The CGI lacked any sense of realism, with the gators’ movements blatantly artificial, making them appear more like poorly animated constructs than fearsome predators. The attacks were unconvincing, feeling as choreographed as a stage play, with the victims seemingly offering themselves up with little resistance, as if they were willing participants in their own demise. The anthropomorphic characteristics attributed to the gators, intended to imbue them with human-like intelligence, were excessive and detracted from the intended tension.
Fumbling Finesse: The Storytelling Shortcomings
The acting, unfortunately, suffered from a lack of subtlety, with performances that bordered on melodramatic, while the supposedly clever dialogue barely registered, falling as softly as whispers in a room full of noise. It lacked the necessary finesse to leave an impression. The narrative arc was disappointingly predictable, leaving little to the imagination, and the heavy-handed exposition dominated the storytelling, which is far from ideal in cinema. I persevered to the film’s conclusion, but there were numerous moments where my patience was thoroughly tested, tempting me to abandon it altogether.
Final Lookback
Not every film that falls short of high-quality standards is entirely worthless. Some serve as definitive examples of what not to do, a role that this film, The Flood, fulfills quite well. For those curious to witness The Flood in all its flawed glory, it is currently available for streaming on Hulu.
Uncut Diamonds 