"On Fire," directed by the talented duo of Nick Lyon and Peter Facinelli, takes viewers on an intense journey through the devastating effects of California's notorious wildfires. The film's narrative is set against the backdrop of the picturesque but fire-prone California coastline, striking a chord of relevance with both Californians and Texans, given their shared history with forest fires. This chilling similarity makes the film's setting in Central Texas, instead of California, a poignant and haunting choice.
The film introduces us to the central character, Dave Laughlin, portrayed with emotional depth by Facinelli. Dave is a self-employed contractor teetering on the brink of financial collapse. His life is a precarious balancing act, worsened by the impending arrival of a new baby – his wife, Sarah, played by Fiona Dourif, is eight months pregnant. Adding to his burden is a parent living with them, depicted by Henriksen, who has succumbed to despair. Dave's daily struggle is palpable as he strives to keep his family afloat amidst these trying circumstances.
However, their lives are thrown into further turmoil when a raging wildfire, sparked by embers from a nearby forest, engulfs their home. In a desperate bid for survival, Dave and his son, played by Angel, are forced to navigate the perilous terrain of the California hills, seeking an escape route as the fire relentlessly closes in on them.
The film makes a valiant attempt to capture the ferocity and unpredictability of wildfires using a combination of stock footage and digital effects. Capturing the essence of fire, with its unpredictable behavior and complex visual characteristics, is a daunting task. The film excels in scenes where the disaster is suggested through offscreen elements like news footage and social media, allowing for a more immersive storytelling experience.
Amidst the escalating disaster, the actors deliver commendable performances. Fiona Dourif, in particular, stands out with her versatility, undertaking the challenge of portraying both a pregnant woman and her father within a single year. However, the depth of the Laughlin family's characters is not fully explored, as they often serve more as a framework for the unfolding calamity than as fully fleshed-out individuals. As the narrative progresses and the wildfire intensifies, the dialogue is dominated by reactive and panic-driven exchanges, occasionally veering into clichéd territory.
"On Fire" subtly weaves in elements that resonate with religious audiences, though it stops short of being a full-fledged faith-based film. Instead, directors Lyon and Facinelli seem to aim for a broad appeal, crafting a film that caters to diverse segments of the streaming audience. Given the inherent constraints of a disaster movie, particularly with limited resources, "On Fire" navigates its challenges with a commendable level of finesse. Nonetheless, its ambition to deliver a profound disaster movie experience is somewhat constrained by these limitations.
In conclusion, "On Fire" is a film that endeavors to portray the harrowing reality of wildfires and their impact on human lives. It succeeds in certain aspects, particularly in its visual representation and the efforts of its cast. However, it struggles to fully realize its potential, leaving viewers yearning for a more in-depth exploration of its characters and a richer narrative experience. Despite its shortcomings, the film stands as a testament to the resilience of individuals in the face of natural calamities and the enduring human spirit.
