`My Kids Watched Flow and I Regret It`

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⚠️ Caution for Major Plot Spoilers: The following information contains significant revelations from the 2024 animated movie. If you haven’t seen it yet, be mindful before proceeding.

Every year since my children were old enough to watch movies, our family has upheld the tradition of watching all the animated films nominated for Oscars. I was thrilled when the 2025 Academy Award nominees were revealed and saw Flow, often praised as one of the top animated movies of 2024, on the list. Having long been eager to see it, I figured my kids would enjoy a film about a charming cat battling against a flood.

But I was wrong…

Despite finding the movie excellent, earning two Oscar nominations, and understanding why others might appreciate it, the viewing experience was distinct for my children, particularly my youngest. Let’s explore together why I believe watching “Flow” with them, especially my youngest, could have been less than ideal.

Flow Seemed Like It Was Going To Be Something My Kids Would Love

Initially, when I watched the preview for Flow last year, I believed it would be an ideal choice for a family movie night, considering my children adore animated films, are fond of our household cats, and enjoy adventure-themed stories. The brief trailer suggested that the movie encompassed elements such as wonder, excitement, travel, and mystery in abundance.

While Flow offers a wealth of content, I’m not convinced that my children were prepared to handle the other aspects presented in the film. I concur with my colleague who ranked it among their top movies of 2024, but the experience was quite different for my offspring. They didn’t dislike it at all, but whether they’d want to watch it again remains uncertain…for now.

They Loved The Animation, But The Story Was Too Much For Them

I can’t get over this fascinating tidbit about the movie Flow – it was entirely created using Blender, a versatile animation software that’s free for all to use! Despite not having the visually advanced graphics of other nominees like The Wild Robot or Inside Out 2, Gints Zilbalodis’ masterpiece is undeniably powerful, one-of-a-kind, and awe-inspiring.

It turned out that I wasn’t the only one who appreciated the animation; my children frequently pointed out the distinctive features of the main character, a dark grey cat, and they were particularly fond of the capybara and other animals that accompanied it in its quest for dry land. However, despite enjoying the visual aspect of the film, they found the storyline to be overwhelming. The mixture of scary scenes and a complex plot left them feeling frightened, puzzled, and scared again within just a few minutes. There were instances when I had to pause the movie to clarify certain aspects for them before resuming.

I Loved The Movie’s Lack Of Dialogue, My Kids Not So Much

In this movie, there are no words spoken, making it easy for viewers who don’t need subtitles. This creative decision enhances the film, contributing significantly to its atmosphere and tone. While I’m a fan of chatty animals in films, the way the cat, dogs, lemurs, birds, and other characters had to find ways to communicate added an unique charm, distinguishing it from similar productions.

Initially, my children weren’t too keen on the part without dialogue. They often got confused about the plot progression, leading me to frequently pause the movie to clarify events or regain their attention. Despite making it to the end, the constant pausing was rather disruptive.

The Peril In Flow Was Too Much For My Kids At Times

One of my workmates recently penned a piece about how The Wild Robot is subtly scary, and I must admit that Flow shares similar qualities. Although there were instances filled with awe, thrill, and breathtaking beauty as the cat ventured on an incredible adventure to flee from a puzzling flood, my daughter struggled particularly with the danger presented throughout the story.

During a scene where the cat and dogs seemed to be swept away by a flood of water and debris in the animated movie we were watching, my daughter started crying, believing the animals were in peril. At that moment, I had to reassure her that the incident was only part of the film and none of the creatures were actually in danger. My attempt at humor by referencing The Adventures of Milo & Otis didn’t seem to improve things, but our cat hopping onto her lap shortly afterward managed to bring some laughter back into the room.

Flow Touches On Some Heavy Tones, And I Don’t Think My Kids Are Ready For It Just Yet

Initially, I assumed that my children would find the complex themes and serious scenes in Flow appropriate for their maturity level. But upon reflection, I believe they are not quite mature enough to fully grasp these elements yet.

Previously stated, it doesn’t avoid the ominous and perilous; instead, it guides the voyage straight towards these elements. This aspect makes for a more satisfying tale for grown-ups or older children, but it was quite another experience for my three kids, particularly my youngest. To clarify, this doesn’t mean it’s a poor animated movie and shouldn’t be considered for an Oscar nomination or acclaim at any upcoming award shows; on the contrary, it’s just not suitable for my children right now. Admittedly, I am somewhat disappointed, but I look forward to watching it with them again in the future.

To sum it up, Flow turned out to be an exceptional animated movie that certainly merits every bit of admiration it receives. It’s possible, though unlikely, that my children may be the rare exceptions, while yours might appreciate it just as much as I did.

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2025-02-08 19:07