Crawl is a 2019 American disaster horror film directed by Alexandre Aja and produced by Sam Raimi. Set in Florida during a Category 5 hurricane, the story follows Haley Keller, a determined and skilled swimmer, who decides to check on her estranged father, Dave, after he fails to answer her calls during the storm. Despite evacuation orders, Haley drives into the dangerous weather and arrives at their family home, only to find him severely injured and trapped in the crawl space beneath the house.
As Haley attempts to rescue him, the floodwaters quickly rise, turning the confined space into a deadly trap. The situation becomes even more terrifying when they discover that alligators, swept in from the overflowing canals, have entered the crawl space. These apex predators, combined with the relentless storm, create an almost impossible fight for survival. Haley and Dave must work together, confronting not only their fractured relationship but also the primal threat surrounding them.
The film masterfully blends elements of natural disaster and creature horror. The limited setting of the flooded crawl space heightens the tension, leaving audiences on edge as the characters face relentless attacks from the gators. Haley’s background as a swimmer becomes a crucial asset, but her endurance and courage are tested beyond limits as she struggles to save both her father and herself.
Clocking in at 87 minutes, Crawl is a lean, fast-paced thriller that relies on suspense, atmosphere, and practical effects rather than elaborate storytelling. With a modest budget of around $13 million, it earned critical acclaim and grossed over $91 million worldwide. Praised for its intensity and tight pacing, Crawl delivers a gripping survival story that highlights human resilience in the face of nature’s fury—and the predators lurking within it.
