Flashburn

Flashburn, a 2017 movie directed by Giorgio Serafini, is woven around elements of science fiction, drama, and mystery. The story unfolds to reveal a world reeling from the impact of an apocalyptic viral outbreak with a unique, engrossing narrative. With names like Sean Patrick Flanery, Cameron Richardson, and Romen L. McPherson amongst its leads, Flashburn packs a powerful punch in both storytelling and characterization.

The leading man, Sean Patrick Flanery, plays a remarkable character named Wes Nolan who wakes up trapped inside a sealed industrial kiln. Equipped with only walkie-talkie whose voice on the other end belongs to a stranger named Ellie Mueller, portrayed by Cameron Richardson. The two must cooperate and work out their survival. Nolan’s character is leadership embodied, intelligent yet compassionate. On the other hand, Ellie Mueller, emotionally charged and rational, foregrounds her character as the other key survivor.

The movie builds with Wes Nolan’s amnesia as he searches knowledge of his past. Flanery does a marvelous job portraying a man whose disorientation and desperation for finding the truth do not overshadow his innate survival instincts. His help comes from multiple sources, an unlikely alliance with Ellie, who navigates information and guides him through the post-apocalyptic world.

In one part, the film investigates the softness of human relationships and resilience while battling a dystopian reality. The emotional strain of existing in a disease-ridden, wiped out world is portrayed brilliantly by both leads. Cameron Richardson's performance as Ellie is deeply moving. Richardson's character is a testament to the impact of human connect, even under the bleakest circumstances.

Romen L. McPherson, as Lyle, brings a layer of complexity to the survival narrative. As a man who may have a tie-up with the past that Wes has no memory of, his character is written and performed with an edge, introducing a darker subplot to the overall narrative.

The science fiction element shines through the narrative when it explores how science is both a boon and a bane. Wes is informed that he holds a cure to the deadly virus inside him. However, Wes himself is an amnesiac and the cure is his own experimental creation. The idea of the viral apocalypse is not a new one, but Flashburn’s treatment of the idea is original. It showcases how, in the hands of the wrong people, scientific advancements can turn into devastating weapons.

The storytelling oscillates between action and drama swiftly and efficiently, never allowing the intensity of narrative suspense to lessen. Along with the formidable lead performances, the movie is also a visual treat, with its post-apocalyptic sets reflecting the gloom and despair of the story’s setting. Tension is further heightened by the cinematography, which uses harsh, high contrast lighting, starkly illuminating the claustrophobic spaces in which the characters find themselves. The set and lighting choices mirror the precarious state of humanity and the unnerving reality of societal collapse due to viral devastation.

The healthy presence of stock characters, like evil corporate moguls and self-serving villains, doesn't detract from the movie's overall appeal. Rather, it adds richness and diversity. The film's surprises are its creative deviations, where it steps away from the of this genre. For instance, it presents a 'villain' who is not entirely heartless, and power players who guess too highly of their intellectual and curative capabilities.

Flashburn engages with the complex themes of survival, morality, and restitution, without losing sight of the dynamics of human relationships in a challenging environment. By exploring the catastrophic consequences of a viral apocalypse whilst centering on a story of survival and lost humanity, Flashburn manages to strike a careful balance between its intense action sequences and dramatic turning points.

In sum, Flashburn is an intriguing science fiction driven mystery-drama that invests in unraveling a humanistic story within the boundaries of a post-apocalyptic world. With an engaging plot, compelling performances, and well-executed aesthetic choices, it provides a satisfying watch for fans of the sci-fi mystery genre.