Among the myriad post-apocalyptic tales, few are as visually stunning or serenely thought-provoking as “Flow”, a captivating animated feature by Latvian filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis. This shimmering ecological parable presents a dystopian yet oddly tranquil water world, seen entirely through the amber eyes of a solitary black cat navigating a flooded landscape.
The film, which is already generating Oscar buzz, unfolds without dialogue. Humans are conspicuously absent, leaving viewers to ponder their role in the catastrophic flood. The unnamed feline protagonist explores a verdant, overgrown world, encountering fellow animal survivors. Among them are a friendly Labrador, a graceful secretary bird, a sleepy capybara, and a mischievous, bauble-collecting ring-tailed lemur. These creatures, drawn with a remarkable sense of authenticity, move and behave naturally, eschewing the anthropomorphic tropes common in mainstream animation.
While “Flow” embraces a surrealist tone—such as the secretary bird proving adept at steering a sailboat—it remains grounded in the natural world, creating a mesmerizing balance between fantasy and realism. The animals’ journey, aboard a small sailboat, takes them through breathtaking vistas: mountaintops transformed into islands and an abandoned city now traversed by waterways.
The film’s visuals owe much to Zilbalodis’ use of Blender, an open-source animation tool. The camera moves fluidly, offering a roving perspective that enhances the dreamlike quality of the film. Despite its dystopian premise, the cutting-edge technology behind “Flow” lends it a hopeful, almost tactile beauty, blurring the lines between digital innovation and sensory experience.
At its core, “Flow” is a tale of cooperation. The black cat initially approaches its companions with caution, but as their journey unfolds, trust and camaraderie develop. The group’s survival depends on their ability to work together, even when faced with external threats, such as a pack of aggressive dogs, or internal conflicts stemming from fear and self-interest.
The animals’ interactions offer a poignant reflection of humanity, highlighting the importance of unity in the face of adversity. Through their shared struggles, they become both stewards of a new world and a source of inspiration for our own.
“Flow” is more than just an animated film; it’s a poetic meditation on resilience, trust, and the interconnectedness of life. Its rich, visual storytelling and wordless narrative make it accessible to all audiences, transcending language and age barriers. As viewers gaze into the film’s reflective waters, they are invited to see themselves mirrored back, questioning their role in shaping—and perhaps healing—the planet.
“Flow”, distributed by Sideshow and Janus Films, is rated PG for peril and thematic elements. The film runs for 84 minutes and earns a glowing three-and-a-half stars out of four.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
