Crawl Review

The new killer alligator film Crawl from writer/director Alexandre Aja and producer Sam Raimi strips down the survival thriller structure and ramps up the suspense with gripping results. The film favors a simple story that disregards complexity to deliver non-stop gory action that constantly builds in tension. Crawl embodies many aspects from summer creature features like Jaws but accomplishes the same type of uneasy atmosphere and anxiousness in different ways. The dark cinematography blended with its self-aware execution and constant willingness to go over the top keeps the action fresh and exciting. The pace and efficiency of each scene are successful due to the energetic and focused directing from Aja, who is never afraid to get his hands dirty to achieve wonderful shots. Crawl is not an original or inventive film, but its ability to deliver on the intense action that it promises helps make the film an extremely fun summer thriller.

Crawl follows aspiring University of Florida swimmer Haley Keller. When news that a massive hurricane is on the way towards the state, the area where Haley lives begins to evacuate. However, when she receives a call from her sister saying that their father isn’t responding to any messages, Haley neglects the evacuation orders to search for him and make sure he’s alright. By the time Haley finds her father Dave gravely injured in the crawl space of their old family home, the hurricane has already hit, and the increasing water levels introduce a new and deadlier threat to the pair – a pack of giant alligators.

The premise sounds ridiculous because it is. But Crawl has enough awareness in how it accomplishes its action set-pieces that the film works despite the far-out events that happen throughout. Wonderful CGI and immersive camerawork help elevate the groups of reptilian beasts into something much more threatening than they already are. The action and tension are entertaining but what holds Crawl together is the fantastic acting from Kaya Scodelario and Barry Pepper, who give believable performances that adds depth to their father-daughter relationship.

However, not every aspect of Crawl is effective. Some setups force the viewer to suspend their disbelief more than they already need to for moments that lack a satisfying payoff. While many characteristics of Haley Keller feel thrown in for the convenience of the plot.

These issues could have diminished the effectiveness of Crawl, but the films focused and to the point execution reduces the drag that arises. Ultimately, the pulpy and sometimes goofy action combined with the tension-filled atmosphere results in an exciting and thrilling film that will surely entertain those willing to accept the ludicrous premise.

Alexandre Aja’s fantastic use of tension and suspense mixed with the incredibly violent action makes Crawl an extremely fun and enjoyable creature feature.

Produced By: Paramount Pictures
Runtime: 87 minutes
Rating: R