Netflix's 'The Great Flood' debuts at No. 1 worldwide, despite mixed reviews

22 Dec 2025, 17:06 by K-Soul · allkpop

Netflix appears to have gone all in—just one day after its release, a Korean film has shot straight to the top of the charts and set social media abuzz.

'The Great Flood,' a film widely praised for opening a new chapter in Korean science fiction cinema, claimed the No. 1 spot on Netflix’s global movie rankings immediately after its release.

On December 19, 'The Great Flood' topped Netflix’s Top 10 Movies chart, marking a strong debut. Set on the final day of Earth, the film follows a group of people fighting for survival inside an apartment complex that a catastrophic flood has engulfed. Combining sci-fi elements with disaster-thriller tension, the film had already drawn attention well before its release. It first premiered in September at the 30th Busan International Film Festival in the “Korean Cinema Today – Special Premiere” section, where anticipation steadily built.

The isolated apartment complex serves as more than just a backdrop—it is a key device that heightens the film’s tension. As water rises within the sealed space, the story carefully captures the characters’ mounting pressure and psychological shifts. Director Kim Byung Woo, known for 'The Terror Live' and 'Take Point,' once again demonstrates his strength in portraying intense psychological drama within confined settings. In 'The Great Flood,' the apartment becomes a microcosm reflecting its residents’ identities and inner worlds, functioning as the narrative’s emotional core. Director Kim has said he hoped to create a film that delivers both genre-driven thrills and an air of mystery.

Kim Da Mi’s dramatic transformation is another major highlight. After her breakout performance in 'The Witch: Part 1 - The Subversion' and a string of well-received projects, she takes on the role of Anna, a mother to a six-year-old son. Kim previously shared at a press event that portraying motherhood required deep reflection, and her performance convincingly conveys the complex emotions of a woman confronted with the heavy truth of becoming humanity’s last hope amid disaster. Director Kim praised her, saying she fully embodied Anna and skillfully carried the role’s immense emotional and psychological weight.

Anchoring the film alongside her is Park Hae Soo, whose intense performance adds further gravitas. Known for global Netflix hits such as 'Squid Game,' 'Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area,' and 'Narco-Saints,' Park—often dubbed “Netflix’s go-to actor”—plays Hee Jo, a member of a human security team. Hee Jo risks everything to rescue Anna during the uncontrollable catastrophe. Park delivers a gripping performance, portraying both calculated composure and raw survival instinct through piercing looks and labored breathing in moments of extreme peril.

The film’s realistic visual effects and technical execution also stand out. To convincingly recreate the notoriously difficult texture of water in VFX, the production team meticulously pre-designed every scene before filming. The cast underwent extensive training in swimming, scuba diving, and freediving to prepare for underwater shoots. Notably, the production employed a high-level “Dry for Wet” technique—having actors perform as if underwater in smoke-filled studios—requiring flawless coordination between performers, wires, and camera movements.

Once again showcasing the potential of Korean sci-fi, 'The Great Flood' is now streaming on Netflix for audiences worldwide.

Many viewers have praised the overwhelming immersion created as the familiar apartment setting gradually transforms into what feels like a massive aquarium. In particular, audiences highlighted the rare-for-Korean-cinema underwater sequences and the realistic portrayal of water, with comments marveling at how far Korean film technology has advanced.

One viewer noted, “I thought it was a straightforward disaster movie, but the way the story expands as it goes on is fascinating,” applauding Kim Byung Woo’s mastery of confined-space storytelling. Others, however, have offered mixed reactions to the film’s unconventional narrative structure and ending, sparking lively debate and varied interpretations across online communities—keeping 'The Great Flood' firmly in the spotlight.

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