In the stunningly beautiful and mesmerizing Latvian animated film “Flow,” the concept of animal welfare evolves as the responsibility shifts to the animals themselves. The narrative centers on a solitary cat who faces an overwhelming flood, embarking on a journey of discovery alongside a dog, a bird, a capybara, and a lemur. Together, they learn that their adventure encompasses more than just the instinct for survival; it is also a profound exploration of camaraderie and resilience.
Yes, “Flow” is devoid of spoken dialogue, yet it positively brims with sound and expressive communication. The film is so finely attuned to the vocal nuances of its characters that by the time the capybara emits a deep grunt to signify “I overindulged,” or when the bird releases a sharp squawk to declare “Leave me be,” you may find that your ability to read emotional cues has intensified — reflecting a deeper understanding of interaction, even among humans.
Before we delve into the heartwarming exchanges across species, we are captivated by the stunning artistry of Zilbalodis. His masterful use of computer-generated imagery creates a fluid, shimmering world that draws viewers in, enhanced by a dynamic camera work style that evokes powerful visuals reminiscent of a thrilling collaboration between cinematic icons Spielberg and Cameron at their finest.
The fable-like narrative, co-crafted with Matīss Kaža, follows the wandering feline as it transitions from the comforting embrace of an abandoned woodland home — where the most formidable threat is a pack of roaming dogs — into a daunting and newly flooded world. The initial deluge is a breathtaking spectacle, yet it is the rising water that ultimately awakens this independent cat to the grim realization that rising to higher ground is not a sustainable option. Seeking refuge aboard a drifting boat, our feline protagonist soon encounters a diverse and unfamiliar ensemble of companions: a quirky lemur, a perpetually attention-seeking dog, and the ever-pleasant capybara, alongside whimsical visits from a friendly whale now gliding between tree canopies.
This tiny vessel acts as a makeshift ark, albeit exclusively for individuals, lacking the guiding hand of an old man acting as God’s messenger. Instead, it emerges as an animal-centric classroom, where lessons in teamwork, courage, and conflict resolution unfold. The cat’s introspective journey, which begins with its reflection in a sparkling pond, provides the emotional core of the film, while the narratives woven around the tall, long-legged bird resonate particularly deeply, reminiscent of the emotional storytelling found in Miyazaki’s films.
In this newly aquatic landscape where mountaintops become isolated islands, the dazzling display of northern lights glimmers in the background, and eerie, tower-like formations loiter, it is impossible not to ponder the future of humankind. Nevertheless, “Flow” distills a timeless essence in its storytelling, steering clear of being merely a cautionary environmental parable or a dystopian narrative.
As one of the year’s most enriching discoveries, “Flow” confidently claims its place not just among a lineage of animal-focused masterpieces such as “Au hasard Balthazar,” “Gunda,” and “EO,” but also within the broader narrative of independent animation. In its straightforward yet generous portrayal of these animals, imbuing them with tangible narrative significance, “Flow” echoes a deeper truth: it imagines a world where they navigate life’s challenges in our absence, offering a charming and poignant vision of community and perseverance that could serve as inspiration for us all.
‘Flow’
Rated: PG, for peril and thematic elements
Running time: 1 hour, 24 minutes
Playing: Opens Friday, Nov. 22, AMC Burbank 16
What inspired Gints Zilbalodis to explore the theme of animal welfare in his film “Flow”?
**Interview with Gints Zilbalodis, Director of “Flow”**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Gints! It’s a pleasure to have you here today to discuss your stunning animated film, “Flow.” The premise is both beautiful and thought-provoking, focusing on how animal welfare evolves through the experiences of your characters. Can you tell us more about how you developed this concept?
**Gints Zilbalodis:** Thank you for having me! The idea of animal welfare shifting towards the animals themselves came naturally as I explored themes of survival and companionship. I wanted to depict a world where animals are not just passive figures but active participants in their fate. This film is about community and resilience against overwhelming odds, and I felt it was important to showcase their journey not just as a fight for survival, but as a deeper exploration of friendship and understanding.
**Interviewer:** It’s fascinating that “Flow” does not use any spoken dialog yet remains incredibly expressive. How did you approach conveying emotions without words?
**Gints Zilbalodis:** That was one of the most exciting challenges in creating “Flow.” By focusing on sound and visual storytelling, the characters convey a lot through their actions and vocal nuances. For instance, the capybara’s grunt or the bird’s sharp squawk has layers of meaning that audiences can relate to on an emotional level. I believe that when words are absent, viewers actually engage more deeply as they interpret what they see and hear, enhancing their emotional connection with the characters.
**Interviewer:** The film’s artistry is described as mesmerizing, reminiscent of major cinematic pioneers like Spielberg and Cameron. What inspired your visual style?
**Gints Zilbalodis:** I aimed to create a fluid, shimmering world that feels alive. The dynamic camera work was essential in pulling the audience into this vibrant experience. My inspiration comes from nature itself—mimicking its chaos and beauty, and allowing that to inform how the audience interacts with the film. It’s about creating an immersive experience that feels both intimate and grand.
**Interviewer:** The narrative follows a solitary cat on its quest, moving from a comforting home to a dangerous, flooded environment. How did you develop this journey, and what message do you hope it conveys?
**Gints Zilbalodis:** The cat’s journey represents a universal search for safety and belonging. Initially, our protagonist believes that the solution lies in seeking higher ground, but soon realizes that this is not sustainable. It’s an allegory for how we often face challenges in life—pretending we can just rise above them without addressing the underlying issues. By encountering a diverse group of animals, the cat learns that support and understanding come from connection and community, which I hope resonates with audiences.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, “Flow” has gained recognition as Latvia’s submission for the Best International Feature Film at the Academy Awards. How does this recognition impact you, and what do you hope audiences take away from the film?
**Gints Zilbalodis:** Being selected is a tremendous honor, and it validates the hard work of everyone involved. I hope audiences take away a sense of hope and empathy after watching “Flow.” The film is not only about the adventures of these animals but also a reflection of our own struggles and triumphs as a community. I want viewers to leave with a renewed appreciation for the connections we can form, irrespective of our differences.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Gints. “Flow” sounds like a unique and heartwarming experience that leaves a lasting impression.
**Gints Zilbalodis:** Thank you! I hope everyone enjoys the film and finds their own connection within it.