Netflix's 'The Great Flood': A Spectacle of Chaos and Complexities

Netflix's "The Great Flood", directed by Kim Byung-woo, begins as an extraordinary spectacle of a disaster film, combining elements reminiscent of classics such as "The Poseidon Adventure" and "The Towering Inferno". However, the narrative takes a surprising turn, mirroring complex sci-fi narratives that play with time and space. While these genre crossovers hold attention due to their sheer scale and constant intensity, the attempt to unite disparate ideas result in an underdeveloped and rushed narrative.

In the movie, we follow An-na (Kim Da-mi) and her son Ja-in (Kwon Eun-seong) as they tackle an unexpected and deadly flood caused by global crises in their apartment building. They must navigate through chaos and struggle to reach safety on the building's roof with the help of security officer Son Hee-jo (Park Hae-soo). The story further spirals into intrigue when An-na begins reliving certain events, attempting to change the outcomes.

The film struggles to maintain a firm narrative grip due to its interplay of flashbacks, flash-forwards, simulations and alternative-reality scenarios. While acting performances are commendable, emotional engagement wanes as viewers face an over-accumulation of complex ideas.

"The Great Flood", despite carrying notions as grand as humanity's downfall and survival, fails to effectively combine them into a coherent narrative. Nevertheless, director Kim has managed to present a visually dynamic experience full of gripping scenarios, like underwater escapes and large-scale destruction. Yet, the film falls short due to its overly cluttered storyline making it less impactful than expected.