Flow is a 2024 animated fantasy adventure film directed by Gints Zilbalodis, notable for its absence of dialogue and its focus on a group of animals navigating a world transformed by rising waters.
The narrative centers on a dark grey cat that, after a sudden flood, joins forces with a yellow Labrador Retriever, a capybara, a ring tailed lemur, and a secretarybird. Together, they embark on a journey aboard a sailboat, confronting various challenges and forming bonds as they adapt to their changing environment.
Flow also achieved commercial success, becoming the most-viewed theatrical film in Latvian history and grossing over $20 million globally.
The film’s unique approach, using real animal sounds creatively such as a tiger’s breathing to voice a whale added to its authenticity and charm.
In summary, “Flow” is a remarkable film that combines a compelling narrative with innovative animation techniques, earning it both critical acclaim and audience appreciation.
Review of Flow Movie
The film’s wordless approach and authentic depiction of animal behaviors have resonated with audiences and critics alike. Jake Coyle of the Associated Press hailed it as “the year’s best animated movie,” praising its meditative and poetic ecological message.
On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 7.9 out of 10, based on 22,000 user reviews.
Overview of Flow Movie
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Latvian Title | Straume |
| Directed by | Gints Zilbalodis |
| Written by | Gints Zilbalodis, Matīss Kaža |
| Produced by | Matīss Kaža, Gints Zilbalodis, Ron Dyens, Gregory Zalcman |
| Cinematography | Gints Zilbalodis |
| Edited by | Gints Zilbalodis |
| Music by | Gints Zilbalodis, Rihards Zaļupe |
| Production Companies | Dream Well Studio, Sacrebleu Productions, Take Five |
| Distributed by | Baltic Content Media (Latvia), UFO Distribution (France), Le Parc Distribution (Belgium) |
| Release Dates | 22 May 2024 (Cannes), 29 August 2024 (Latvia), 30 October 2024 (France), 15 January 2025 (Belgium) |
| Running Time | 85 minutes |
| Countries | Latvia, France, Belgium |
| Budget | €3.5 million |
| Box Office | US$20 million |
Title Track
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Home | 2:04 |
| 2 | Dog Chase | 1:34 |
| 3 | Panic | 0:59 |
| 4 | Flood | 5:24 |
| 5 | Capybara | 0:48 |
| 6 | Unexpected Visitor | 0:32 |
| 7 | Lemur | 2:07 |
| 8 | Bananas | 1:27 |
| 9 | Deer Cyclone | 1:23 |
| 10 | Windmill Island | 2:11 |
| 11 | Birds | 3:45 |
| 12 | Outcast | 2:26 |
| 13 | Showing Off | 0:59 |
| 14 | Abandoned City | 2:24 |
| 15 | Splash | 1:38 |
| 16 | Fishing | 3:05 |
| 17 | Storm | 2:03 |
| 18 | Flow Away | 4:33 |
| 19 | Forest Emerging | 1:55 |
| 20 | Amphitheater | 1:51 |
| 21 | Following | 3:36 |
| 22 | Reflection | 3:29 |
| 23 | Acceptance | 2:43 |
Story / Plot
The narrative follows a dark grey cat navigating a world transformed by a catastrophic flood. After its home is submerged, the cat encounters various animals—a yellow Labrador Retriever, a capybara, a ring-tailed lemur, and a secretarybird—and together, they embark on a journey aboard a sailboat, seeking refuge and survival in the altered landscape.
Throughout their voyage, the group faces numerous challenges, including encounters with hostile animals and navigating through submerged cities. The film emphasizes themes of resilience, interspecies cooperation, and adaptation in the face of environmental upheaval. Notably, “Flow” features no dialogue, relying entirely on visual storytelling and authentic animal behaviors to convey its poignant narrative.
The film’s innovative approach and compelling story have garnered critical acclaim, culminating in winning the Oscar for Best Animated Feature at the 97th Academy Awards, marking a historic first for Latvian cinema.
