Get ready for a wild, adrenaline-fueled ride as cops and criminals have been pitted together battle against ferocious alligators, unleashing explosive action sequences and intense, jaw-dropping moments that will leave you on the edge of your seat in this high-octane, action-packed alligator film.
The Flood is one film that has been on my radar for quite some time, and I’m a sucker for creature features, big ass alligators; why not? The film did not disappoint, as it was injected with conflict throughout. A harrowing storm brewing, ghastly winds and rain, heavy flooding, armed vigilantes, and hungry gators! This film had it all! With the opening sequence starring Devanny Pinn in a cameo, the film has no problem making the audience well aware of exactly what to expect, total carnage!
The Flood, Starring Nicky Whelan, Casper Van Dien, and Louis Mandylor, joins Sheriff Jo Newman (Whelan) as she prepares her station for the forthcoming Hurricane Gustavo. A prison bus travels across Louisiana to transport some of the most sinister convicts, including a cop killer Russel Cody (Van Dien). As the storm rages on, the guards have limited options and must seek shelter in Sheriff Newman’s station. Unbeknownst to anyone, a group of slimy gators infiltrates the station, taking full advantage of the flood that is slowly creeping up on the Sheriff’s station.
The Flood uses stock footage of floods, hurricanes, and terrible weather, very much setting the mood, and the waters continue to rise and rise. While the film did have much going on, I was able to follow, and I enjoyed the subplot involving the mercenaries; this film was Assault on Precinct 13, with Alligators, and that made the whole experience better! Other Easter Eggs included Con Air, Crawl, and Hard Rain; this couldn’t be ignored, and again, no complaints from me.
I know that some will carve this film as a failed and disappointing entry into the creature feature kingdom, and then there will be others like myself that will embrace its success. We just need to remember that this is an independent film that does not have the luxury of big money and extra time.
There isn’t really too much I disliked about this film. Perhaps there could have been a bit more gore, but outside of that, this film did exactly what it was intended to do, entertain me. One of my favorite aspects of The Flood was the character of Sheriff Newman (Nicky Whalen) and her character arch. Sheriff Newman, I could tell, was very comfortable and complacent in her position as Sheriff. However, as conflict flooded her way (see what I did there, hah)!, she rose up to the occasion and became that badass that I am sure she once was a long time ago.
Directed by Brandon Slagle and the screenplay by Chad Law and Josh Ridgway -bringing in powerful acting, great cinematography, story, and direction, The Flood is a popcorn film built for Summer time fun and to view with a group of friends with plenty of drinks!
THE FLOOD will be available in Theaters, On Demand, and digitally on July 14, 2023.
