Flow (U)

A lone, wide-eyed cat journeys through a flood-ravaged world in Latvian filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis’ stunning animated odyssey.

Chased by a pack of dogs, our furry feline is soon swept away by rising waters and finds refuge on a drifting sailboat, already inhabited by a capybara. Along the journey, it encounters a golden retriever, a lemur and a flock of cranes, each with its own survival instincts. As they form an unlikely pack, the film subtly reflects on humanity’s environmental impact, evident in abandoned homes and a sunken city. The animals, though natural enemies, learn to cooperate and save one another, offering a pointed message about unity and the need for mutual support in times of crisis.

Painstakingly crafted over five-and-a-half years, Flow is a visual marvel, awash with breathtaking visuals, intricate design work and gorgeous animation. Immersive environments and authentic animal sounds underpin a beautiful, haunting score that conjures a timeless, fable-like quality that is such a precious luxury in the world of animation.

This year’s winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, it’s a wonderful reminder of what can be done with the medium.