Review: Animals brave the ‘Flow’ of rising waters in a wordless, animated triumph

As a lifelong animal lover and an avid fan of animation, “Flow” has left an indelible mark on my heart. Having spent countless hours observing and learning from the behavior of various creatures, I found myself deeply moved by this stunningly beautiful and thought-provoking film.

In the enchanting, captivating Latvian animated film “Flow”, it is the animals themselves who take on the task of safeguarding their welfare. A solitary cat experiences a devastating flood and, alongside a dog, a bird, a capybara, and a lemur, discovers lessons that transcend mere survival.

In the breathtaking, animal-filled world crafted by director Gints Zilbalodis for his captivating sequel to “Away” (2019), humans are nowhere to be found. Unlike other animated films, the characters here aren’t anthropomorphized for comedic effect or excessive cuteness. Instead, they are portrayed as true animals, allowing us to connect with them on a deeper level. The cause of the rising waters that drive the film’s narrative remains unexplained, but “Flow” may well burst the dam that has long held back animators from embracing the authentic beauty found in the behaviors of these animal characters.

Indeed, “Flow” may not have words, but it’s far from being silent or devoid of language. Instead, it subtly communicates through a range of vocalizations that are remarkably in tune with its characters’ voices. If by a certain point you can’t discern that a capybara’s deep grunts signify “I overate” or a bird’s sharp squawk means “Give me space,” then perhaps your perception skills might need improvement, not just with the animals but also with your fellow humans.

Before delving into the cross-species conversation, we’re struck by Zilbalodis’ stunning, shimmering visual beauty in crafting his computer-generated ecosystem, characterized by intentional, exploratory camera work that resembles a cinematic fusion between Spielberg and Cameron at their most revealing and thrilling.

In collaboration with Matīss Kaža, we penned a tale that resembles a fable, sending our stray cat character out of its familiar woodland abode and into a world transformed by floodwaters. The initial surge is impressive, but it’s the rising water level that signals to this self-reliant feline that it can no longer rely on finding higher ground. A drifting boat offers refuge, followed swiftly by some peculiar new acquaintances. (Lemurs indeed are peculiar! Why do dogs crave attention so much? At least capybaras are friendly.) Occasionally, a friendly whale emerges from the depths, swimming amidst what were once trees.

Sure, the tiny vessel is an ark of sorts, but for singles only, and with no old man to play God’s messenger. Instead, think an animal-kingdom schoolroom, where the lessons are in teamwork, boldness and conflict resolution. The cat’s journey, which starts with its reflection in a shimmering pond, is the emotional center, but the large, long-legged bird’s story is especially touching, with Miyazaki-like echoes.

In this unspecified, recently submerged land where mountains have become islands, the aurora borealis shine brilliantly and peculiar, finger-like structures resembling human constructions can be seen in the distance. Yet, the story of “Flow” possesses an enduring quality that prevents it from feeling overtly didactic about environmental issues or dystopian.

Among the most significant finds of this year, “Flow” aligns equally with an annal of animal-focused masterpieces (“Au hasard Balthazar,” “Gunda,” “EO”) as it does the chronicles of independent animated films. With its straightforward and compassionate approach in granting these animals a tangible storyline, there’s a depth to it: “Flow” may be speculating on their survival techniques without us, but it offers an enchanting, thought-provoking depiction of unity and resilience that could serve as an inspiring model for us.

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2024-11-23 00:02