Flow

Rating 8/10

A dark grey cat must navigate a world reshaped by a catastrophic flood. The lone kitty begins its journey in a forest filled with signs of humanity but devoid of people. Fueled by an unyielding will to survive, it pushes through confrontations first with wild dogs, then stampeding deer, and finally the surging waters of a flood. When the rising waters leave it stranded atop a giant submerged feline statue, the cat is forced to abandon its isolation and board a sailboat with an unlikely crew: a lethargic capybara, an upbeat Labrador, a proud secretary bird, and a headstrong lemur. Together, these animals forge ahead, each beautifully animated with a detailed eye for how their species acts. They form a fragile bond as they traverse a flooded planet.

Flow is a computer-animated tale that offers a poeticism in simple storytelling and aural soundscapes. This is a meditative quest that eschews a traditional plot for a more introspective tale of existence. The cat is the central figure, the glue that holds this random group of animals together. They will face external threats and internal conflicts that force them to adapt. The cat, in particular, becomes a resourceful leader by learning to swim and fish to support its companions. Amid their expedition, the group encounters haunting remnants of human structures swallowed by nature. A gorgeous sequence features a whale swimming through the ruins of a sunken city.

There isn’t a lot of plot to detail here.  This is a thoughtful journey with a long, immersive take that swirls between water, land, and the creatures’ life aboard the boat. The film’s visual style strikes a nice balance between hyperrealism and artistic Impressionism. Sound designer Gurwal Coïc-Gallas utilizes authentic sounds for each animal. This adds to the authenticity. However, capybara vocalizations were found to be too high-pitched for the character they wanted to convey. So, the team recorded a baby camel’s sounds, which better suited its laid-back personality.

Flow is a visually stunning feature from Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis. Its original title, Straume, meaning “Stream,” likewise emphasizes the theme of life’s unbroken progression. It garnered well-deserved nominations for Best Animated Feature and International Film at the 97th Academy Awards, Latvia’s first-ever Oscar nods. The account resonates with a quiet yet profound message: survival is not just about individual instinct but fostering collective hope. It offers a contemplative reflection on a shifting environmental landscape, with the supportive community that develops amongst strangers and the uplifting spirit to survive. Flow is a timely reminder that in a region undone by tragedy, there is strength in our connection with others.

01-05-25