Zilbalodis and co-screenwriter Matiss Kaza never really explain how the Cat came to live in the forest, because there is nobody to do the explaining. We might reasonably surmise the Cat was once the pet of the now-absent artist who produced the large-scale surrealist feline sculptures that surround the abandoned cabin where the Cat still lives. The fate of the artist is unknown. Indeed, no humans ever intrude into this animal world.<\/p>\r\n
<\/ins>\u00a0 \u00a9Courtesy of Janus Films<\/p>\r\n \u00a9Courtesy of Janus Films<\/p>\r\n If you like the review, share your thoughts below!<\/strong><\/p>\r\n
Regardless, the Cat clearly lived by its wits for quite a while, even before the freak flash flood engulfs the forest. As a result, the Cat\u2019s survival instincts are already highly attuned. In contrast, the likable Labrador Retriever always automatically followed his pack of strays, until the rising waters separated him from them. Consequently, he latches onto to the Cat, who reluctantly leads his new canine companion to a drifting sailboat already carrying an unlikely passenger, a capybara.<\/p>\r\n![\"Flow](\"https:\/\/cinemadailyus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Flow4.png\")
<\/p>\r\n
As the boat drifts along the flood currents, they also pick up a Ring-Tailed Lemur with packrat impulses for shiny objects and a Secretarybird, weakened from a fight with the alpha of its flock. Indeed, the geographical diversity of their habitats (capybaras being indigenous to South America, while Secretarybirds hail from the Sub-Saharan savanna) certainly reinforces the Noah\u2019s Ark vibe.
Flow<\/strong> might sound like a simple story, but it runs deeper than its flood waters. There is a great deal to unpack, should viewers choose to. In addition to its harrowing vision of environmental destruction, there are the individual animals\u2019 journeys of self-discovery and growth. While the Cat learns \u201cno feline is an island,\u201d so to speak, the Labrador Retriever becomes more self-assertive. Yet, those inclined, can also turn off their brains and enjoy Flow<\/strong> for the epic animal survival story that it truly is.
Zilbalodis incorporates several animation techniques to create a world that is simultaneously realistic and eerily surreal. Frankly, some of the flooded cities the animals float through offer greater eye-popping spectacles than any science fiction film released this year. Yet, conventional animation audiences should find the animal-character designs warmly appealing and accessibly welcoming, especially the Labrador Retriever, who shows all the affectionate, slobbering loyalty that made the breed so perennially popular. If ever there was a film that could inspire art-house cinemas to sell tie-in plushy toys, this would be it.<\/p>\r\n![\"Flow](\"https:\/\/cinemadailyus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Flow1.png\")
\u00a9Courtesy of Janus Films<\/p>\r\n
Perhaps Flow<\/strong> sounds heavy, considering it graphically depicts the animals\u2019 life-and-death struggle against the elements, but it builds towards a very life-affirming message. Visually, it is also a film of unusual beauty. In addition to its distinctive look, Flow<\/strong> also has its own unique rhythm, but that does not mean it is slow-moving. Frankly, it is often quite intense, but in its own hypnotic way.
Indeed, Flow<\/strong> is probably the most immersive and transfixing animated film of the year. It deserves consideration in both the international and animated feature categories. Anyone who saw Zilbalodis\u2019s previous feature Away<\/strong> at Fantasia a few years ago will recognize his quietly arresting wordless style, but Flow<\/strong> is definitely very much its own beast\u2014one with considerable heart and style. Very highly recommended, Flow<\/strong> opens in theaters this Friday (11\/22).<\/p>\r\n![\"Flow](\"https:\/\/cinemadailyus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Flow3.png\")
<\/p>\r\n
Grade<\/strong>: A+<\/p>\r\n