Flow
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ (out of 5)
As the world was introduced to Gints Zilbalodis' work as he unprecedentedly won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film, he went from an unknown animator to an award-winning filmmaker. Yet, he managed to take on the studio giants and win with this artistic gem that dazzles visual senses while telling a story of unexpected camaraderie amongst unlikely travel companions. Unlike many of his competitors for the prize this year, he will allow the work to find its audience instead of making a film for a specific demographic.
This fascinating narrative occurs in an unspecified world inhabited by animals with an evident influence of humanity's existence. A land that is waterlogged with flood waters that bring together an unlikely collage of animals as seen through the eyes of a black cat. Initially, they fail to trust one another as would be their nature, but eventually realise they will need one another to survive this catastrophic world event. As a skiff passes by each of their original residences, a capybara, lemur, stork, and dog come together on a journey into new worlds. Each step and stroke of their adventure introduces them to new friends, creatures, and experiences that no one could have imagined when they awoke at the beginning of this day.
There is little wonder why this film has earned the notoriety it receives, but one may ask who it is meant to entertain. Gints Zilbalodis' creation is a visual marvel, and his knack for storytelling sets a new standard for the genre. Yet, this film will appeal to the museum set and artistically inclined more than to the usual audience who come along to the cinema for family fun. There is no dialogue to follow, and the character arch is as subtle as a cat nap, so this film is for those looking for artistry over entertainment. Similar to the experience of walking past great works of art, the interpretation is left to the viewer and they can judge the quality for themselves.
All that to say, this beautiful film delivers on all the promises it sets out to make by showing how animation can communicate through poetic imagery, imagined unity, and minimalist means of language. As this vessel floats through this flooded world of wonder, one is left to ponder what is running through the minds of each animal in the boat. Unhindered by the latest actor’s interpretation of what a lemur or dog sounds like, the viewer is free to dream of the words that would be spoken if these animals could speak.
Flow is not the film for parents yearning for a cinematic experience that will calm the souls of their young children over the school holidays. It is better to think of this film as a picturesque journey for the mature cinemagoer who is looking to lose themselves in the cool animated waters of a world of imagined possibilities.
Have you ever thought of starting a movie discussion group?
Reel Dialogue: Allowing the flow of imagination
Flow taps into a world of imagination and gives the world a glimpse into what it can offer humanity, even through the eyes of a cat. Even without entertainment at our fingertips or when life moves into a state of boredom, bringing up images and thoughts allows us to survive this existence. From the limitless well of the creative process come songs, stories and dreams, which have been part of the human experience since the beginning of time.
‘And the Lord said, “Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them.’ Genesis 11:6
Some say that certain people, like Gints Zilbalodis, are more imaginative than others. Still, this reality does not diminish that all mankind was given this gift. At times, it is used for less-than-redeeming results, and some minds draw from darker wells than others, but this does not minimise the power it offers. The human imagination exposes life's psychological and spiritual aspects that can only be attributed to God.
