Trivia: The entire film was made with free open-source animation software (primarily Blender) due to the tight budget.
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When I finally got the chance to sit down and watch director Gints Zilbalodis' Oscar-winning 2024 animated feature "Flow", I was left speechless. Unable to talk about it for nearly an hour while I took in what I just saw. Because I realised I had seen not only what may possibly be my favorite film of 2024... but also one of my favorite animated films ever made, full-stop. A thoughtful, hilarious, heartfelt rumination on life, fear and companionship told without a single word.
In a world where humanity has vanished without a trace, a small black cat is swept away by a flood and forced to take shelter on a passing sailboat. As the days pass, he finds himself joined by a lazy capybara, a rambunctious Labrador Retriever, a vain ring-tailed lemur and an impulsive but protective secretary bird. And they quickly learn that they must adapt to one-another's company and work together in order to navigate the ever-rising waters.
Not since discovering Don Hertzfeldt's "It's Such a Beautiful Day" nearly five years ago have I found myself so emotionally taken with a piece of animation. And much like that film, "Flow" hits home with a unique style, infectious humor and the suggestion of deep philosophical themes. It's a film that a thousand people could watch and take a thousand different things from... and I think that's beautiful.
I personally took the film as a much broader parable about the journey of life itself, represented by the faults and growing friendships of each animal, and the trials they face. There are absolutely elements of grief and consequence... but it also touches on so many positive aspects of life. Chosen families. Conquering fear. Attaining enlightenment. Etc. It's about balance. The cycle of life. The flow of time.
"Flow" is a truly magical film. One I am excited to experience again and again in years to come. And I cannot wait to see what comes next from the extraordinary talent that brought it to us.
5 out of 5.
