Ali Arsalan
Lightning crackles, buildings blur, and a scarlet streak races through the screen as The Flash, one of DC’s most beloved superheroes, in action.
However, amidst the thrilling storyline, there was a noticeable problem that couldn’t be ignored—the underwhelming computer-generated imagery (CGI) and questionable visual effects (VFX) that plagued the film.
The Flash’s dazzling speed and superhuman abilities were often overshadowed by subpar graphics, leaving viewers puzzled and wondering why the VFX fell so short.
The Flash’s CGI: A Rollercoaster Ride of Hits and Misses
Not all of The Flash’s CGI is terrible, with notable exceptions such as Supergirl’s flight and the impressive final battles. However, the film suffers from poor CGI in various areas, including Ben Affleck’s chase sequence and comically bad depictions of The Flash running at high speed.
Issues arise in scenes with Ezra Miller playing dual Barry Allens and the subpar Chrono Bowl sequences. Even the highly anticipated multiverse cameos and audio looping during action scenes fall short. The Batman cameo at the end features a clearly computer-generated Barry Allen with a visibly flawed face.
The film’s VFX discussions spark confusion and criticism, questioning the choices made and the completeness of The Flash’s visual effects.
The Flash’s VFX Enigma: Intentional or Execution Mishaps?
In The Flash, some VFX issues are straightforward execution problems commonly found in comic book movies. However, two key sequences—the Chrono Bowl time travel and Crisis on Infinite Earths cameo-heavy scene—resemble Xbox 360 video game cutscenes. Director Andy Muschietti explained that the distorted visuals in Flash’s speedster scenes were deliberate, representing Barry’s point of view. Although the film’s extended production allowed for VFX exploration, the results have fallen short of expectations.
The Flash was supposed to be a major part of the original DC Extended Universe (DCEU), connecting different storylines across multiple universes. But things have changed, and now it feels like Warner Bros. sees The Flash as a movie with fewer risks and more freedom to experiment. It’s a chance for them to tie up loose ends and have some fun.
Despite its substantial budget and marketing efforts, The Flash no longer aligns with Warner Bros’ original vision for a thriving DCEU and potential box office success. In another version of the DCU, the film could have featured realistic photo-rendered VFX and human-like cameos. However, The Flash has taken a different path.
In the end, The Flash’s significant shortcomings in CGI overshadow its positive aspects. Unfortunately, these flaws will forever be associated with the movie, casting a shadow over any success it may achieve.