Flow

Bravo everyone! Show to the Hollywood how it's done!

Such a beautiful story - no words, no explanation - so liberating!

Liberating from "someone else's burden", as Nietzsche would say.

Liberating from imposed narrations.

Liberating from expectations.

Mind goes "Oh, it's a modern interpretation of Noah's Ark" - no it's bloody NOT! - "But what happened, why are they...?" - it doesn't matter!

"Is the end of the world shown?" - No, it's not.

It's just an excerpt of some situation, some flood, somewhere, sometime - experienced through the eyes of certain creatures - and VERY beautifully depicted in this fantastic film.

An incredibly beautiful film. Goosebumps. Tears. A unique concept, without words but with dialogue. With sounds and music that make your heart beat faster.

For the first time ever, I sat and couldn't get up when the credits started rolling. I had to focus on them for a moment to see who made this magic happen, and to blink away emotions from my eyes. Even the team's dogs are mentioned in the credits. And then suddenly, a surprise - another scene after the credits!

Now I feel like reading everything that I can find about the film, getting stills as my desktop and phone wallpaper, and have just ordered their Cat t-shirt.

This is a masterpiece that I can't wait to see again!

Get ready to be utterly captivated. Flow, the 2024 animated film, isn't just good, it's an instant classic, a landmark achievement that will be talked about for years to come. This isn't hyperbole, it's a simple truth. Flow is a breathtaking journey that will touch your heart, ignite your imagination, and leave you in absolute awe.

From the very first frame, the film's visual splendor grabs you. The animation is nothing short of revolutionary, seamlessly blending traditional techniques with cutting-edge technology to create a world that feels both familiar and fantastical. Every detail, from the subtle textures of fur to the luminous glow of a twilight sky, is meticulously crafted, drawing you into a vibrant and immersive experience. This is animation as high art, pushing the boundaries of the medium to create something truly extraordinary.

But Flow isn't just a pretty face. Beneath its stunning visuals lies a story that is equally compelling. The plot, which follows a young cat separated from his family in a flood, a group of unlikely animal friends on an epic adventure, is both simple and profound. It tackles universal themes of resilience, the importance of home, the power of friendship with a deft touch, avoiding heavy-handedness while still packing an emotional punch. You'll find yourself instantly invested in the characters, their struggles, and their triumphs. The film manages to be both cute and incredibly moving. The characters are so well designed and they're hard to not love.

The film's cuteness factor is undeniable. The characters, with their expressive eyes and endearing quirks, are instantly lovable. Flow will be a family movie to remember. But this isn't a film that relies on saccharine sweetness. It's the imaginative world-building, the whimsical details, and the sheer joy of discovery that will enchant you. The film's heart-warming core is earned, emerging organically from the characters' journeys and the challenges they overcome.

In a sea of animated films, Flow stands tall. It is a masterpiece, a testament to the power of animation to transport us to other worlds and tell stories that resonate deeply. This is a film that will appeal to audiences of all ages, a cinematic experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Flow is not just one of the greatest animated films of the year; it's one of the greatest animated films of all time. Don't miss it.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

The world today isn't exactly something that gives you hope for the future.

This movie is about a time when humans are (seemingly) gone. So in that way, it doesn't really give you hope either.

But...

Earth isn't just humans. It's full of animals that sometimes just live together in some sort of harmony. Granted. This movie makes it seem like it's so easy for them to live together across species. That part is somewhat silly. But the movie is done in a way that the animals are somewhat humanized. And the way they interact together gives me a bit of hope for earth. Not humans. Earth will be fine. As for humans, that remains to be seen.

But this movie is a small wonder that will make you smile and enjoy about 1½ hour of happiness.

"Flow," the latest work from Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis, is one of those rare films that transcends the need for dialogue and speaks directly to the soul. With stunning visuals and a narrative that radiates humanity in a world devoid of humans, the movie is a testament to cinema's power to tell universal stories.

The plot follows a black cat, a solitary survivor on a post-human planet seemingly healing from humanity's scars. The feline's journey is both physical and symbolic: it must leave the safety of its island-marked by decayed monuments and submerged ruins-and embark on a voyage of collaboration and self-discovery. Watching the cat navigate this journey is a meditative and visually hypnotic experience, with Zilbalodis delivering sequences that oscillate between tranquil introspection and genuine tension.

One of the film's greatest strengths lies in its stylized animation. Unlike the hyper-realism often seen in Hollywood productions, "Flow" embraces a visual style that blends natural elements with graphic artistry. The interplay of light with the textures of water, foliage, and animal fur creates an effect that is simultaneously dreamlike and visceral. This approach immerses the audience in the film's world without feeling like a forced simulation of reality. Each scene feels like a living painting, meticulously composed yet retaining a sense of spontaneous wonder.

Narratively, the film adopts a simplicity reminiscent of a classic fable. The central metaphor-the need to abandon ego in favor of collectivity-is subtly woven throughout the story. As other animals join the cat on its boat, such as the sleepy capybara, the optimistic Labrador, and the restless lemur, the journey transforms into an exploration of coexistence. Each character is animated to reflect their unique traits, from the cat's sharp curiosity to the imposing bird's commanding presence. Their interactions-whether delicate gestures like sharing food or moments of conflict-form the emotional core of the story.

"Flow" takes a bold step by opting for a dialogue-free narrative, a choice that, for the most part, enhances the cinematic experience. While this approach may slightly soften the emotional intensity in certain scenes, it underscores the universality of the story and lets the visuals take center stage. The film's symbolism, such as the recurring image of the animals' reflections on the water, is both striking and accessible, offering straightforward interpretations while inviting deeper exploration of its layers.

The score, composed by Zilbalodis in collaboration with Rihards Zalupe, is another standout element. Minimalist and atmospheric, it perfectly complements the film's richly detailed soundscape. The sporadic use of music, rather than constant accompaniment, heightens the impact of silence, creating an immersive and meditative experience.

Ultimately, "Flow" is a meditation on our connection to the natural world and to one another. Without words, it conveys the importance of seeing ourselves as part of something greater, accepting that our impact on the world is shaped by how we interact with it and those around us. As we face an uncertain future filled with climate crises and existential challenges, "Flow" offers a hopeful message: life persists, adapting and flowing like a river carving new paths among the stones.

This is a film that demands patience and contemplation, but it generously rewards those who allow themselves to be carried by its current. It's a work not just to be watched but to be felt-one that reflects the best of what we are capable of as humans.