The theme of “artificial intelligence,” particularly in cinema and television, has been one of the most intense, controversial debates in recent years. As with most polarizing topics, opinions tend to be extreme and lack depth, creating opposing views of “AI is good” versus “AI is bad,” as if all uses of the technology are identical. Flow was entirely animated using Blender, a free open-source 3D rendering tool that has become highly popular in the movie industry, regularly used since Spider-Man 2 (2004).
Filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis first impressed audiences in 2019 with Away, his debut animated feature film, fully created by himself. Direction, script, animation, score… an extraordinary one-man show that now finds its continuation – with more technical and financial support – in Flow. The dialogue-free narrative follows a solitary cat displaced by a massive flood, finding refuge on a boat with various other species. Together, they face the challenges of adapting to a transformed world.
The power of cinema is universal, and there’s no better defense of this claim than purely visual storytelling. Regardless of the viewer’s origin, culture, or language, Flow stands out as one of the most accessible, far-reaching movies of the year, creating an incredibly captivating atmosphere through its simplistic yet immersive animation. It’s proof that hyper-realism isn’t necessary to captivate an audience; instead, it’s the small details – authentic expressions, sounds, and movements – that make the animation so lifelike, almost as if the animals were real. The way each animal licks itself, sleeps, and expresses happiness, fear, or sadness… all these details are animated to perfection.
At the heart of Flow is a black cat, but along its journey of survival, it encounters several dogs – growing particularly close to a Labrador Retriever – a capybara, a bird, a lemur, and even a whale. Early on, themes of unity and community become prominent through the animals’ distinct interactions. In a post-apocalyptic world, the animals convey a clear message against discrimination, as the boat where they gather ultimately unites them as members sharing a common goal, with mutual respect for each other’s space, belongings, and beliefs.
Zilbalodis and his co-writer Matīss Kaža masterfully emphasize that what truly matters in society are individual attitudes and behaviors for the collective good. This is subtly portrayed through the group of noisy, less respectful dogs of various breeds. Tense initial interactions gradually give way to collaboration, though some moments feel forced, revealing the film’s struggle to justify its full runtime.
The story is both too realistic for cartoonish comedy and too simplistic to delve into ambiguity or complexity regarding certain character arcs. Flow is visually stunning and straightforward, filled with breathtakingly beautiful shots and memorable silhouettes. The music complements the narrative and naturalistic animation, helping to “explain” the emotions and relationships between characters. As an animal lover – especially of dogs – I found myself more emotionally invested in this dialogue-free, text-free story than in many “normal” productions this year.
Finally, Flow sends a clear warning about the environment and the human impact on nature. Without drastic changes, climate change could make a fictional story created on a computer program a potentially real future. That said, the animal world demonstrates a remarkable capacity for adaptation, making the movie’s conclusion powerful enough to move some viewers to tears.
Final Thoughts on Flow
Flow is a celebration of resilience and collective spirit in times of adversity, as well as a potent reminder of the consequences of human actions on the environment. With its immersive animation, emotional music, and unique narrative approach, Gints Zilbalodis invites viewers of all ages and backgrounds to reflect on the ability to adapt and unite – not just among species, but within society itself. It’s a testament to the profound, universal messages that can reside in the simplest of stories, inspiring empathy, respect, and awareness of the fragility and beauty of nature.
Rating: B+
Flow is now playing in theaters.
Learn more about the film, including how to buy tickets, at the official website for the title.
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