Directed by Alexandre Aja, Crawl (2019) is a lean, relentless survival horror that pits a young swimmer, Haley (Kaya Scodelario), against a Category 5 hurricane and a pack of ferocious alligators. Set in a flooded Florida town, the film follows Haley as she defies evacuation orders to rescue her injured father, Dave (Barry Pepper), only to find themselves trapped in a crawlspace with hungry predators.

The film’s strength lies in its simplicity and intensity. At a tight 87 minutes, Crawl wastes no time, delivering claustrophobic tension and visceral thrills. Aja’s direction, paired with gritty cinematography, makes the flooded house a terrifying maze. The alligators are convincingly menacing, with practical and CGI effects blending seamlessly. Scodelario shines as a determined, resourceful heroine, her athleticism grounding the chaos, while Pepper adds emotional weight as a father haunted by past failures. The script keeps character drama concise, letting the action dominate.

However, the plot leans on predictable beats, and some physics-defying moments—like surviving gator bites—stretch believability. The hurricane setting, while atmospheric, feels underused beyond flooding. Still, Crawl embraces its B-movie roots, balancing jump scares with grim humor, like a darkly funny looter scene.

Perfect for fans of creature features, Crawl is a heart-pounding, unpretentious ride that knows exactly what it is. Stream it for a stormy night in.