A disorganized yet determined assembly of animals, spearheaded by a charismatic black cat, embarks on a survival journey in a flooded, post-apocalyptic landscape in Gints Zilbalodis’ acclaimed movie Flow. The film, distributed in select U.S. theaters today through indie distributor Janus Films/Sideshow, has captivated audiences with its gripping narrative and stunning visuals. Garnering top honors at prestigious festivals like Annecy and the Ottawa International Film Festival, it is also a strong contender with nominations for both Best Feature and Best Animated Feature at the European Film Awards. Impressively, Flow has already amassed over $2.6 million globally and proudly represents Latvia as the country’s official entry for the International Feature Oscar category.
Critics have already embraced the movie with glowing reviews: Flow currently boasts an exceptional score of 98% on RottenTomatoes.com, reflecting its widespread acclaim. Reviewers are particularly enamored with the film’s breathtaking animation, its wordless storytelling, and its innovative perspective on a world where animals take over the Earth after humanity has succumbed to its own demise. Awards watchers are already viewing the film as a formidable contender in the fiercely competitive Best Animated Feature Oscar race, joining the ranks of heavyweights such as DreamWorks’ The Wild Robot and Pixar’s Inside Out 2.
Here is a sampling of insights from some of the most respected reviewers about the movie, which marks only the second feature by writer-director-composer Zilbalodis (following his acclaimed 2019 release, Away):
“Zilbalodis largely avoids the sort of whimsy and sentimentality that might plague, say, a Disney movie with the same premise. The animals act like real animals, not like cartoons or humans, and that restraint gives their adventure an authenticity that, in moments of both delight and peril, makes the emotion that much more powerful … I was deeply moved.”
— Calum Marsh, The New York Times
“With a gentle sense of post-apocalyptic mystery, this low-budget joy sets a raft of animals adrift in a flooded, Ghibli-esque world. Flow might be a digital confection, but it’s also open, alive, elemental. In every sense, it’s a breath of fresh air.”
— Robbie Collin, The Telegraph
“Refusing to pander to its audience, Flow is an animated adventure that is poignant, unique, absolutely gorgeous, and a must-see.”
— Kristy Puchko, Mashable
“Flow is something of an anomaly in that it puts greater weight on rich, impeccably lit environments than it does on character animation. Though it looks pleasing to the eye, it isn’t expressionistic enough in style to forgive these technical shortcomings.”
— Peter DeBruge, Variety
“There’s something about the purity of great animated storytelling that can shatter your heart and then make it whole again. Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis’ captivating second feature, Flow, is that kind of marvel, a vividly experiential white-knuckle survival adventure that takes place in a world on the brink of ruin. Told entirely without dialogue, this tale of a cat that evolves from self-preservation to solidarity with a motley crew of other species is something quite special.”
— David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter
You can read our interview with the director here
Watch the trailer below:
How does *Flow* differentiate itself from traditional animated films in its portrayal of animals and the themes of resilience and survival?
**Interview with Gints Zilbalodis, Director of *Flow***
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us today, Gints. Your film, *Flow*, has just hit select theaters in the U.S. and is already receiving incredible acclaim. What inspired you to tell this story of a survival journey in a post-apocalyptic landscape, particularly from the perspective of animals?
**Gints Zilbalodis**: Thank you for having me. I wanted to explore themes of resilience and community through a unique lens. By focusing on animals, I felt I could strip away the complexity often associated with human narratives. It allows the story to resonate on a more primal level, illustrating how beings—human or otherwise—struggle and adapt in the face of disaster. Plus, the world we created is visually stunning, and I thought it would be a captivating backdrop for this journey.
**Interviewer**: It’s fascinating how *Flow* depicts animals authentically, avoiding the common pitfalls of personification found in many animated films. How did that decision affect your storytelling?
**Gints Zilbalodis**: Absolutely. I aimed to create a narrative that resonates with authenticity. The animals in *Flow* behave as they would in real life, which creates a more genuine emotional experience. This restraint allows the audience to connect with their struggles in a deeper way, particularly in moments of joy and peril. It reflects the reality of survival—it’s messy, unpredictable, and often heartbreaking.
**Interviewer**: The film has already won prestigious awards and is being talked about as a contender for both Best Feature and Best Animated Feature at the European Film Awards. How does it feel to see your work recognized on such a large scale?
**Gints Zilbalodis**: It’s truly humbling. Winning awards at festivals like Annecy and the Ottawa International Film Festival was incredible, but the love from audiences really drives me. Knowing that *Flow* is representing Latvia as an official entry for the International Feature Oscar is surreal. I’m grateful for all the recognition, but my main focus is to share this story with as many people as possible.
**Interviewer**: Critics have been particularly impressed with your film’s breathtaking animation and its wordless storytelling. What prompted you to take a less conventional approach to dialog?
**Gints Zilbalodis**: I wanted to convey emotions and connections through visuals rather than words. By eliminating dialog, the audience is invited to engage with every scene differently, interpreting the emotions conveyed through animation alone. This method forces viewers to pay closer attention to the subtleties of the characters’ actions and dynamics, which can be more impactful than spoken dialog.
**Interviewer**: Lastly, in addition to the critical success, *Flow* has also seen significant box office success, grossing over $2.6 million. How do you think this speaks to the audience’s readiness for stories like yours?
**Gints Zilbalodis**: I believe audiences are hungry for meaningful and visually captivating storytelling. The success of *Flow* reflects a desire for diversity in animation and narrative styles. It shows that viewers appreciate complex stories with emotional depth, and I hope it encourages more unique films to be made in the future.
**Interviewer**: Thank you so much for your time, Gints. We look forward to seeing more of your work in the future!
**Gints Zilbalodis**: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure sharing my thoughts with you. I hope everyone enjoys *Flow*!
