Ten years after its initial release, the disaster film starring Dwayne Johnson, San Andreas, is climbing Netflix’s Top 10 chart despite receiving mixed reviews in theaters. The movie combines a high-budget spectacle of destruction with performances that drew praise, yet its story has been criticized for relying heavily on unlikely coincidences.
Predictable Plot Devices Shape the Story
The film follows Ray Gaines (Dwayne Johnson), a rescue helicopter pilot who is estranged from his wife and daughter. His soon-to-be ex-wife, Emma (Carla Gugino), is dating Daniel (Ioan Gruffudd), a civil engineer working on a supposedly indestructible skyscraper. When massive earthquakes strike the San Andreas faultline, Blake (Alexandra Daddario), Ray and Emma’s daughter, happens to be in Los Angeles with Daniel. Ray arrives just in time to rescue Emma but discovers Daniel abandoned Blake in a parking garage as chaos unfolds.
Blake then manages to call Emma, showing resourcefulness as she heads toward Daniel’s skyscraper, presumed to be safe amid the destruction. Predictably, Ray and Emma set out to save her, highlighting a series of plot points that align too neatly, reducing the suspense typical of disaster thrillers.
Convenient Timing Overshadows Realistic Tension
While the main story follows Ray’s family ordeal, a subplot featuring Caltech seismologist Dr. Lawrence Hayes (Paul Giamatti) attempts to explain the earthquakes scientifically. Hayes discovers how to predict the seismic events but is ultimately too late to prevent chaos. His warnings, however, never intersect directly with Ray’s mission, serving mainly to deliver technical background for viewers.
Meanwhile, Blake travels with Ben (Hugo Johnstone-Burt), her new romantic interest, and his younger brother Ollie (Art Parkinson). The group conveniently carries satellite phones that allow constant communication, eliminating the typical obstacles to contact during major disasters and further reducing the tension.
Visual Effects and High Production Value Steal the Show
Despite narrative weaknesses, San Andreas excels in its depiction of a catastrophic earthquake. With a $110 million budget, the film showcases extensive destruction — from collapsing bridges and fractured highways to toppling skyscrapers. The impressive visuals maintain attention and compensate for plot convenience by delivering continuous, spectacular action.
The movie’s unrelenting pace and jaw-dropping scenes of ruin provide the visceral excitement expected from the disaster spectacle genre. Strong performances from the cast add emotional weight, helping viewers stay invested even if the plot’s predictability is apparent.
San Andreas Now Streaming on Netflix
For those seeking an intense but low-risk disaster film where the main characters are likely to survive, San Andreas fits the bill. Its narrative may not hold up under scrutiny, but the thrill of the destruction and the star power of Dwayne Johnson make it an entertaining watch. Currently, the movie is available for streaming on Netflix, gaining renewed popularity a decade after its release.
