Crawl (2019) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
“Crawl” (2019) is a thrilling horror film that packs a punch with suspenseful scenes and intense encounters. Directed by Alexandre Aja, the film was released during the summer of 2019, quickly gaining attention for its unique premise, tight pacing, and terrifying execution. For fans of creature features and survival horror, “Crawl” delivers a thrilling experience.
This review not only explores the film’s key elements but also provides a guide on how to watch “Crawl” online through available streaming services, rental, and purchase platforms in the United States.
Plot Summary: A Battle for Survival
“Crawl” follows the story of Haley Keller (played by Kaya Scodelario), a competitive swimmer who finds herself in a perilous situation during a Category 5 hurricane in Florida. After receiving a distressing call from her sister about their father, Haley heads to their old family home to check on him. Upon arriving, she discovers her father, Dave (played by Barry Pepper), injured and trapped in the house’s crawl space. To make matters worse, rising floodwaters and a pack of massive, hungry alligators have taken residence inside the house.
The film’s tension stems from Haley’s desperate attempts to rescue her father while evading the deadly reptiles. With both time and oxygen running out, Haley’s swimming skills and survival instincts are put to the ultimate test as she battles the elements and a relentless predator.
Critical Reception: What Makes “Crawl” Stand Out?
Critically, “Crawl” received a warm reception, especially for its pacing, performances, and special effects. Director Alexandre Aja is known for his previous work in horror, including “The Hills Have Eyes” (2006) and “Piranha 3D” (2010), and in “Crawl,” he doesn’t shy away from using tension and claustrophobia to create fear. The atmosphere of the flooded home, combined with the lurking alligators, provides an intense survival horror experience that keeps viewers on edge from start to finish.
The performances by Kaya Scodelario and Barry Pepper were praised, with Scodelario giving a particularly strong showing as a determined and resourceful protagonist. The father-daughter dynamic adds an emotional layer to the film, heightening the stakes beyond just survival.
The special effects used for the alligators are both terrifying and believable, giving the creatures a lifelike appearance that adds to the film’s horror. Aja successfully blends CGI with practical effects, creating realistic action scenes that make you feel like you’re right there in the crawl space with Haley.
Overall, while “Crawl” may not break new ground in the creature feature genre, it certainly provides a thrilling ride for fans of survival horror.
Streaming “Crawl” (2019): Where to Watch Online in America
For those looking to stream “Crawl” online, there are several popular platforms where you can watch the movie either by subscription, rental, or purchase. Here’s a breakdown of the options available:
Subscription-Based Streaming Services
Currently, Paramount+ is the primary streaming platform offering “Crawl” (2019) as part of its subscription service. As the film was distributed by Paramount Pictures, it is readily available to subscribers of this service. With plans starting at $5.99 per month, Paramount+ offers access to a large library of films, including “Crawl.”
Another possible platform is Amazon Prime Video for those with a Prime membership. While it may not be part of the base subscription, Prime members can easily rent or purchase the movie through the platform.
Lastly, you can keep an eye on services like Hulu and HBO Max, as they occasionally rotate their movie libraries, and “Crawl” may become available at a later date.
Rent or Purchase Online
If you’re looking to rent or buy the movie to watch at your own convenience, several platforms in the U.S. offer “Crawl” for rent or purchase, including:
- Amazon Prime Video – “Crawl” can be rented for $3.99 in HD or purchased for $12.99.
- Apple TV/iTunes – Similar pricing options exist here, with rental costs at $3.99 and purchase at $14.99.
- Google Play Movies – Rent the movie for $3.99 or buy it for $12.99.
- Vudu – This platform also offers rental options starting at $3.99 and purchase for $13.99.
- YouTube Movies – Another popular option for renting at $3.99 and purchasing at $12.99.
These services provide flexible ways to enjoy “Crawl” on various devices, from smart TVs to mobile devices, making it convenient for home viewing or watching on the go.
Why “Crawl” is Worth Watching
While “Crawl” might seem like a straightforward survival horror film, it manages to stand out with its intense action, well-crafted suspense, and strong performances. The confined setting and life-threatening dangers create a nerve-wracking atmosphere, allowing viewers to feel every moment of Haley’s struggle.
Furthermore, “Crawl” taps into primal fears – being trapped, drowning, and being hunted – all wrapped in a scenario where nature itself becomes the villain. The alligators aren’t given any supernatural abilities, but their sheer size, strength, and predatory nature are enough to provide a terrifying challenge for the protagonists.
For fans of movies like “The Shallows” (2016) or “47 Meters Down” (2017), “Crawl” offers a similar level of high-stakes tension but with a fresh setting and a unique twist on the survival genre.
Conclusion: A Must-Watch Creature Feature
“Crawl” is a gripping survival horror film that successfully combines natural disaster scenarios with a fearsome animal threat. Its compact story, strong performances, and relentless pacing make it a must-watch for fans of the genre. Whether you’re looking for a film to get your heart racing or you simply enjoy creature features, “Crawl” delivers a thrilling and entertaining experience.
With multiple streaming and rental options available, you can easily watch “Crawl” (2019) online through platforms like Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, and more. So, if you’re in the mood for a suspenseful, action-packed film, this one should be at the top of your list.
