34/47
Flow is one of the most amazing and innovative visual animations I’ve ever seen
Chronology
The cat is a solitary animal, but when his home is devastated by a major flood, he finds refuge on a boat populated by various species and will have to team up with them, despite their differences. The team was very adamant about getting all the "voices" to be done by real animals, so they recorded real animals for the film. To get the sound of the capybara, the sound engineer had to travel to a zoo and tickle the capybara. However, real capybara sounds didn’t match the personality that the capybara character would have, so instead they used a baby camel for it.
From the start, it grabs you with its emotional depth and remarkable world-building
The dialogue-free film only enhances its storytelling, perfectly embodying the “show, don’t tell” principle. The production design is absolutely extraordinary, creating a rich, immersive world devastated by a great flood. The sound design plays a pivotal role, adding layers of realism to the film’s events, making every moment feel visceral and alive. The film’s ability to evoke deep emotions, especially for the animals, really moved me – it made me cry more than once.
The original soundtrack is eerie and fits the film perfectly
I also loved the use of shaky cinematography throughout the film, which gave the film an added sense of urgency and rawness. It weaves tension, curiosity and surprise at key moments, making the experience even more powerful. The cat, as the central character, carries the film effortlessly. The entire plot feels surreal, with the animals driven by survival instincts.
The ending is wholesome and heartfelt, capping off a truly emotional journey
Each animal’s unique personality shines through: the cat is naturally skeptical, the capybara serves as a gentle caretaker, the dog embodies a loyal golden retriever, the lemur is selfish and materialistic, and the bird feels like the cat’s guardian angel. The film’s main theme is fear, which is beautifully explored through visual storytelling. Even without dialogue, there is palpable drama and tension, demonstrating that words are not necessary to convey deep emotional weight. The film is visually provocative, and the way it communicates complex emotions is brilliant.
Flow is a cinematic masterpiece, both emotionally and visually
I sincerely hope this film wins an Oscar, as it left a deep impression on me.