‘Flow’ Review | A Stunning Animated Adventure Warms the Soul

by

As a film enthusiast with a penchant for international cinema and a soft spot for silent films, I found myself utterly captivated by the breathtaking animation spectacle that is “Flow.” Having traversed the cinematic landscapes of various cultures, I can confidently say that this Latvian masterpiece stands tall among its peers.

The enchanting animation titled “Flow” delights and stirs emotions as it presents an exhilarating journey, underscoring the significance of cooperation during challenging periods. This story unfolds when a black-eyed cat flees from a flood that overtakes the countryside. As the narrative progresses, our feline hero realizes he’s not on his own; other creatures in distress join him on an ark-like voyage filled with profound spiritual and mystical hints. The film’s director and co-writer, Gints Zilbalodis, skillfully crafts a gripping tale from a truly original viewpoint. Hailing from Latvia, this entry for the 97th Academy Awards in the Best International Feature Film category boasts an almost perfect Rotten Tomatoes rating, enthralling viewers without the need for dialogue.

In my own words as a movie reviewer, I’d say:

As a loud rumble nears, the cat jumps back onto the roof. It stares in shock as a group of elk scatter in panic from a sudden wave of water. The entire forest is flooding. Before finding safety, the cat jumps off the roof and hangs on to a tree branch. However, its momentary relief is short-lived when a yellow Labrador Retriever dog also tries to cling to the same branch. The branch breaks under their weight, and both animals are swept away by the current.

Every Wild Animal According to Its Kind

As I watched the harrowing tale unfold, I found myself gripped by the dire circumstances of our two protagonists – the cat and the dog. Despite managing to reach higher ground, the water relentlessly rose, creating an ominous atmosphere that left me on the edge of my seat.

In a remarkable turn of events, the esteemed Latvian animator Zilbalodis, renowned for his groundbreaking debut film “Away“, continues to captivate viewers worldwide. His latest creation, titled “Flow“, employs a narrative structure reminiscent of “Life of Pi”, with the boat serving as a sanctuary for survival. The story introduces an unlikely crew: a cat, a capybara (the world’s largest rodent), a hoarding lemur, a colossal crane, and a friendly yellow lab that the cat had previously encountered. The plot unfolds with unexpected turns and revelations that leave viewers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating where the story will take them next.

The narrative unfolds as if we’re observing from a cat’s perspective. It’s important to note that the cat’s sex remains unspecified throughout its daring adventure. Zilbalodis and his gifted animation team deserve high praise for accurately depicting the cat’s movements. This same technique is applied to the other animals that join in the journey, making them appear authentic within their surroundings. It’s quite remarkable, considering the worsening flood conditions and the various challenges these animals face, testing an initial tense peace.

An Extraordinary Adventure of Sight & Sound

In my perspective as a movie reviewer, “Flow” isn’t your typical Disney film where characters instantly bond or resemble vegetables getting along in a garden. Instead, these animals coexist, not because they’re best friends, but due to a shared concern for their boat’s safety. Quickly, they understand that it’s in everyone’s best interest to avoid conflicts. However, this fragile truce is tested when animal instincts surface. For instance, one lemur seems particularly reluctant to share his belongings.

In their movie, Zilbalodis strengthens their team dynamics by collaborating towards a common goal, which goes beyond real-life scenarios to emphasize education and unity. It’s heartwarming to watch as the animals learn to maneuver the boat. They discover this skill naturally, realizing that moving the rudder affects the boat’s direction, without needing human-like problem-solving abilities. However, they are not displaying anything beyond their instinctual behavior to keep from sinking – no creature is consulting a compass or considering wind direction in this story.

Flow’s audio composition deserves high praise for its impactfulness. The roar of the water, assortment of animal sounds, and even the fierce wind are all crucial to the movie’s authenticity. Zilbalodis ensures a balanced volume level in what we listen to. Pauses in the sound add significance as the animals find respite from the chaos. We sense their fear ebbing and flowing as they constantly dodge death. This dynamic tension wouldn’t be effective without the sound being skillfully blended with appropriate visual indicators.

Perfectly Paced Towards an Astounding, Unexpected Finale

Zilbalodis should be praised for masterfully maintaining an engaging pace throughout the movie, Flow. The runtime of 85 minutes could have easily been a brief, fast-paced short, but the story never loses momentum and keeps the audience intrigued. The plot’s direction remains unpredictable, leaving viewers in suspense about where Zilbalodis is steering the narrative. The climax is nothing short of amazing, offering a surprising twist that alters one of the animal characters. Some might argue this twist veers into the ethereal when the film had been mostly realistic, but this reviewer was left speechless. Flow charms in every scene and it’s worth sticking around after the credits for an added treat.

The film titled “Flow” is a collaboration between Dream Well Studio, Sacrebleu Productions, and Take Five. It will premiere at the Angelika Film Center in New York City on November 22nd, and will be widely available across the country starting December 6th through Sideshow and Janus Films. Check out showtimes and purchase tickets here.

Read More

2024-11-23 06:03