Mike Flanagan Raves Over Epic Franchise Reboot on Netflix as “A radical reinvention”
It’s not easy to reboot a beloved property. From fans to studio execs, everyone has an opinion that they are more than willing to vocalize. The higher the profile of the IP, the more people lining up to weigh in. Despite all that pressure, some filmmakers still manage to walk the line and deliver a picture that gives fans exactly what they want while also meeting the studio’s demands. Writer/director Takashi Yamazaki did exactly that with his 2023 reboot Godzilla Minus One.
Yamazaki did a lot with a little, delivering an epic viewing experience on a relatively modest budget. The picture was a critical and commercial success, even taking home the Oscar for Best Visual Effects. What’s more, the film has its fair share of high-profile supporters. In fact, Minus One counts Oculus director Mike Flanagan as a fan. More on that in just a moment. First, let’s dig into what the film is about.
Godzilla Minus One catches up with kamikaze pilot Kōichi Shikishima (Ryunosuke Kamiki), who, in a moment of panic, froze and failed to neutralize a pre-radioactive Godzilla at the tail end of World War II. Thereafter, the pilot sets out for redemption, doing everything in his power to try and make up for the devastation caused by his lack of action.
Now that you have the rundown on the setup, let’s talk a bit more about why the film captured Mike Flanagan’s attention. Flanagan connected with the central metaphor, messaging, character development, and more. Actually, why don’t I just step aside and let Mr. Flanagan speak for himself.
“Terrific,” begins Flanagan’s Letterboxd critique.
“It is at once a nostalgic throwback to the classic Godzilla movies, while also feeling like a radical reinvention of the entire franchise. Godzilla as a metaphor has never been more eloquently handled, and the film’s messages about war, peace, guilt, trauma, and wreckage – on scales both grand and intimate – are quietly, powerfully delivered. Excellent character development, set pieces, and effects. I can’t really imagine a Godzilla movie possibly being better than this.”
If you missed the chance to see the film in theaters but Flanagan’s appreciation for the picture has you curious to experience it now, you can do so via Netflix.
If you’re still waffling, allow us to provide yet another enthusiastic response to help you make up your mind. When Dread Central’s Joshua Meyer reviewed the film in 2023, he summed it up as follows: “Below the mushroom clouds and black rain, Godzilla Minus One peels back another intimate layer, bringing the audience down to the human level where the survivors are.”
If you opt to check the film out on Netflix, make sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
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