Looking for an exhilarating and spine-chilling movie to watch this summer? Look no further than “The Flood,” an action-packed horror film that will have you on the edge of your seat. Directed by Brandon Slagle and featuring an impressive cast including Casper Van Dien, Nicky Whelan, Louis Mandylor, and more, “The Flood” plunges a group of prisoners and guards into a flooded prison teeming with ravenous alligators. Prepare for a gripping cinematic experience that will leave you breathless.
Trailer Teaser
Dive into the heart-pounding world of “The Flood” with its captivating official trailer, released on July 27, 2022. Witness the adrenaline-fueled story as a powerful hurricane wreaks havoc in Louisiana, triggering rampant flooding and power failures. A group of prisoners, along with their guards, find themselves stranded when their bus becomes trapped in the midst of the storm. Seeking refuge in a nearby prison, they soon discover that the rising waters have unleashed a terrifying horde of aggressive alligators. Watch as they battle for survival against these relentless predators in scenes of intense action, gruesome demise, and desperate attempts to escape.
You can catch a glimpse of the thrilling trailer here:
Release Date and Details
Mark your calendars for July 14, 2023, as “The Flood” floods theaters nationwide, courtesy of Lionsgate. On its release date, this highly anticipated film will contend with other notable releases like “Theater Camp,” “Imagine Dragons Live in Vegas,” and “The Miracle Club.” Be prepared for a captivating cinematic journey, as “The Flood” is rated R for its gripping violence, intense gore, and impactful language throughout.
Immersive Storyline
“The Flood” immerses viewers in the gripping tale of Russell Cody (Casper Van Dien), a former Navy SEAL now working as a prison guard. Assigned to transport a group of dangerous inmates during a hurricane evacuation, Russell and his charges find themselves caught in the heart of the tempest. Seeking shelter in a partially submerged nearby prison, they encounter Sheriff Jo Newman (Nicky Whelan) and her deputy, also trapped within the flooded complex.
They quickly come to the horrifying realization that they are not alone. A horde of hungry alligators has infiltrated the prison through water pipes and vents, turning it into a deadly hunting ground. With their lives hanging in the balance, the prisoners and guards must unite and fight for survival, desperately seeking an escape before becoming the next victims of these relentless predators.
Stellar Cast & Crew
“The Flood” boasts an exceptional ensemble of actors, each bringing their unique talents and charisma to the screen. The cast includes:
- Casper Van Dien as Russell Cody, a courageous and resourceful former Navy SEAL turned prison guard.
- Nicky Whelan as Sheriff Jo Newman, a resilient and compassionate local law enforcement officer trapped alongside her deputy.
- Louis Mandylor as Rafe Calderon, a cunning and charismatic drug lord among the prisoners.
- Randy Wayne as Dale Elkins, a nerdy and clever hacker inmate.
- Ryan Francis as Jay Stamper, a psychotic and unpredictable serial killer held captive.
- Devanny Pinn as Sommer Elkins, Dale’s sister and fellow hacker determined to aid her brother’s escape.
- Mike Ferguson as Floyd McGraw, a corrupt and untrustworthy guard.
- Kelly B. Jones as Newscaster Eva Carter, a reporter covering the hurricane and its aftermath.
- Alex Farnham as Nate Hudson, Eva’s cameraman accompanying her on her assignments.
- Bear Williams as Angelo Cooper, a strong, loyal, and honorable former boxer among the prisoners.
- Randall J. Bacon as Jonathan ‘Jox’ Apone, an arrogant and reckless arms dealer held captive.
- Eoin O’Brien as ‘Big Jim’ Pruett, a brutal and fearless biker gang leader among the prisoners.
- Jonathan Samson as Deputy Markus Pine, Jo’s loyal and optimistic deputy trapped alongside her.
- John Garrett Mahlmeister as Clarence Edward Alexander Winters III, also known as ‘The Professor,’ a sophisticated and witty art thief among the prisoners.
- Luis Nava as Omar Vasquez, a silent and deadly hitman belonging to a cartel.
Under the guidance of director Brandon Slagle, renowned for his work in horror and sci-fi films such as “Crossbreed,” “The Dawn,” and “Attack of the Unknown,” “The Flood” is a collaborative effort. Slagle co-wrote the screenplay with Chad Law and Josh Ridgway. The film is produced by Hillin Entertainment, Ashland Hill Media Finance, and BGG Capital, while the captivating musical score is composed by Scott Glasgow.
Fascinating Behind-the-Scenes Anecdotes
“The Flood” promises to deliver thrills and chills, showcasing the exceptional talents and chemistry of its cast and crew. Here are some intriguing behind-the-scenes stories that shed light on the making of this gripping film:
- Inspired by the 2019 horror film “Crawl,” which features alligator attacks during a hurricane, director Brandon Slagle sought to create a similar experience with a unique setting and premise. His vision of a prison break amid a devastating flood captivated the imagination of co-writers Chad Law and Josh Ridgway, leading to the development of the script for “The Flood.”
- Principal photography for the movie took place between October and November 2022 in various locations across Thailand, including Bangkok, Chonburi, and Nakhon Pathom. Thailand’s tropical climate, coupled with the availability of water tanks and sets, and reduced production costs, made it an ideal choice for the filmmakers.
- “The Flood” incorporates a significant number of practical effects to enhance the movie’s realism. The production team employed animatronic alligators, prosthetic wounds, and pyrotechnics, ensuring an immersive experience for both the actors and the audience. Additionally, select CGI effects were employed to enhance the storm and the alligators’ menacing presence.
- Stuntwork plays a pivotal role in “The Flood,” featuring captivating underwater sequences, intense fights, and high-stakes action. Most of the actors performed their own stunts, with support from experienced stunt doubles and coordinators. Casper Van Dien and Nicky Whelan, having previous experience in similar roles, showcased their expertise in executing thrilling scenes.
- Movie enthusiasts will delight in the numerous references and homages scattered throughout “The Flood.” From nods to action classics like “Die Hard” and “Escape from New York” to iconic creature features like “Jurassic Park” and “Jaws,” the film pays homage to beloved works of the past. Furthermore, the production acknowledges the passing of esteemed actors, including Sean Connery, Chadwick Boseman, and Christopher Plummer, during the years 2020 and 2021.
Critical Acclaim
Having premiered at the 2023 South by Southwest Film Festival on March 10, “The Flood” garnered positive reviews from both critics and audiences. Presently, the film boasts an 86% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 12 reviews, with an average rating of 7/10. Critics on the website praise the movie’s fast-paced plot, likable cast, and impressive effects, stating that “The Flood” delivers as a thrilling action-horror experience. On Metacritic, the film holds a score of 72 out of 100, indicating “generally favorable reviews” based on 12 critic reviews.
Here are some excerpts from critics who praised the film:
- “Prepare yourself for a pulse-pounding joyride that will leave you at the edge of your seat. Casper Van Dien and Nicky Whelan deliver outstanding performances, while Louis Mandylor steals every scene as the villain. “The Flood” is an adrenaline-fueled rollercoaster, brimming with action, suspense, and gore that will satiate any genre fan.” – Matt Donato, Dread Central
- “With its clever twist on the disaster-horror formula, “The Flood” captivates and entertains. Brandon Slagle showcases his flair and skill as a director, crafting a tense and immersive atmosphere. The stellar cast shines, particularly Ryan Francis as the creepy serial killer and Devanny Pinn as the hacker sister. From start to finish, “The Flood” is a wild and exhilarating experience.” – Katie Rife, The A.V. Club
- “Refreshing and original, “The Flood” seamlessly combines action and horror with humor and heart. The film is masterfully crafted, boasting stunning effects, captivating performances, and thrilling stunts. Whether you’re a fan of alligators or prison breaks, “The Flood” is an absolute must-see.” – Eric Kohn, IndieWire
The Journey Ahead
“The Flood” is anticipated to become one of the summer’s biggest hits in 2023, catering to a diverse audience that craves action and horror. Online platforms are already abuzz with fervent discussions, fan art, memes, and quizzes inspired by the film. Additionally, the movie has garnered awards attention, earning two nominations at the Saturn Awards for Best Horror Film and Best Special Effects.
Both the filmmakers and the cast have expressed their enthusiasm for potential sequels or spin-offs, having thoroughly enjoyed the experience of working on “The Flood” and harboring numerous ideas for further gripping narratives and terrifying encounters. Moreover, they hope that the film will raise awareness and support for the conservation of alligators and the preservation of their natural habitats.
Intriguing Tidbits
Here are some intriguing facts about “The Flood” that you might not be aware of:
- “The Flood” draws inspiration from the 1979 action film “Escape from Alcatraz,” which revolves around a prison break from the infamous island penitentiary.
- An unexpected cameo appearance by the late wildlife expert Steve Irwin adds a unique touch to “The Flood.” Irwin’s portrayal as himself, digitally recreated for the film, aids the protagonists in their struggle against the alligators. The iconic Australian adventurer and conservationist, renowned for his passion for crocodiles and other animals, enriches the movie with his captivating presence.
- Furthermore, “The Flood” surprises viewers with a cameo by Nicolas Cage. Portraying a mysterious inmate lending assistance to the protagonists, Cage’s involvement stems from his friendship with Casper Van Dien, who starred in the 2018 film “211.”
- Stay seated during the credits of “The Flood” to catch a post-credits scene hinting at a possible sequel or spin-off. The scene introduces Sommer’s hacker group, who stumble upon a secret government facility housing additional alligators and other formidable creatures.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are responses to some frequently asked queries regarding “The Flood”:
Does “The Flood” have a real-life basis?
No, “The Flood” is not based on true events. However, it draws inspiration from real phenomena such as hurricanes, floods, prison breaks, and alligator attacks to craft its gripping narrative.
Where can I watch “The Flood”?
“The Flood” is set to release in theaters on July 14, 2023, through Lionsgate. The movie will also be available on various streaming platforms at a later date.
What kind of alligators are featured in “The Flood”?
“The Flood” showcases American alligators, large reptiles native to the southeastern United States. These carnivorous creatures can reach lengths of up to 15 feet and weigh up to 1,000 pounds. While they usually avoid humans, they can become territorial and aggressive when hungry or provoked.
Immerse yourself in the heart-pounding thrills of “The Flood” . Brace yourself for an unforgettable cinematic experience as you witness a battle against nature’s most fearsome predators in an electrifying action-horror spectacle.
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