‘The Flash’ director says the film’s CGI is supposed to look like that – but why?

Warning: this article contains spoilers for The Flash

When The Flash had its world premiere at CinemaCon 2023, it was revealed that the film was “almost complete” since some of the CGI was missing. Now, with the film finally out, it seems the use of VFX in the film is something that fans can’t stop talking about. Fortunately, The Flash director, Andy Muschietti, has explained why the film looks the way it does.

From when he uses the speed force to save lives, to when he enters the “chrono bowl” (aka the place where he’s able to go back in time), it’s no secret that a ton of heavy VFX was used throughout the movie. According to the film’s director, that is no accident. During an interview with Gizmodo, he explained that it was very intentional from the start. We, the audience, are watching the events unfold through Barry’s perspective, so expect things to look unsettling.

So when we see the babies falling down Gotham’s hospital looking very weird, or how the frozen scenes in the Chrono bowl look somewhat daunting, the distortion is actually what Barry sees.

“The idea, of course, is…we are in the perspective of the Flash. Everything is distorted in terms of lights and textures. We enter this ‘waterworld’ which is basically being in Barry’s POV. It was part of the design so if it looks a little weird to you that was intended.”

It’s quite interesting how the filmmakers want the audience to experience what Barry is going through and what he sees throughout The Flash, even if it looks a bit weird. But at least it gives the viewers some understanding of the effect of his powers on the world around him.

Unfortunately, not everyone liked how it was overused, especially in the third act. Also, this doesn’t excuse Warner Bros or the powers that be to use CGI to revive the dead, rather than use living actors for its cameos. While art is subjective, Muschietti was aware that people might have some questions about the creative choices in the film, and he has an explanation prepared for his decisions. At the same time, you have to admit, the VFX looked a bit odd at first glance.

If you want to see how the VFX was used in The Flash, the film will be released on June 16, 2023.