DIRECTOR: Gints Zilbalodis
STARRING: animation
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 25 minutes
LANGUAGE: no spoken language
Cat is a solitary animal, but as its home is devastated by a great flood, he finds refuge on a boat populated by various species, and will have to team up with them despite their differences. In the lonesome boat sailing through mystical overflowed landscapes, they navigate the challenges and dangers of adapting to this new world.
***
Flow is the second animated feature film from director Gints Zilbalodis. The film had its world premiere in the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival and won four prizes at Annecy, including winning the Audience Award.
Latvia’s selection was made by the Latvian Selection Committee, a commission of film industry experts established by the National Film Center.
The film was co-written by Zilbalodis and Matiss Kaza, with a score by Zilbalodis and Rihards Zalupe. It was produced by Zilbalodis and Kaza, alongside Ron Dyens and Gregory Zalcman, under Dream Well Studio, Sacrebleu Productions and Take Five.
Flow is an animated drama.
To check out all previous submissions for Latvia, click HERE.
STARRING: animation
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 25 minutes
LANGUAGE: no spoken language
Cat is a solitary animal, but as its home is devastated by a great flood, he finds refuge on a boat populated by various species, and will have to team up with them despite their differences. In the lonesome boat sailing through mystical overflowed landscapes, they navigate the challenges and dangers of adapting to this new world.
***
Flow is the second animated feature film from director Gints Zilbalodis. The film had its world premiere in the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival and won four prizes at Annecy, including winning the Audience Award.
Latvia’s selection was made by the Latvian Selection Committee, a commission of film industry experts established by the National Film Center.
The film was co-written by Zilbalodis and Matiss Kaza, with a score by Zilbalodis and Rihards Zalupe. It was produced by Zilbalodis and Kaza, alongside Ron Dyens and Gregory Zalcman, under Dream Well Studio, Sacrebleu Productions and Take Five.
Flow is an animated drama.
To check out all previous submissions for Latvia, click HERE.
FILM REVIEW:
(This review contains spoilers.)
Flow, the second feature by visionary Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis, is a mesmerizing animated survival adventure that captivates with its vivid visuals and emotional depth. Following the journey of a lone black cat in a world abandoned by humans, the film draws the audience into a breathtaking and immersive experience. The story is told entirely without dialogue, but through Zilbalodis’ skillful animation and richly detailed landscapes, it speaks volumes about resilience, connection, and the delicate balance between independence and community. At just under 90 minutes, the film’s tight pacing keeps viewers enthralled while still allowing moments of quiet reflection and awe.
The world of Flow is strikingly crafted, blending the painterly beauty of photo-realistic environments with charming, cartoon-like animal characters. Zilbalodis’ visual style, inspired by the works of Hayao Miyazaki and Danish artist Peder Mørk Mønsted, is nothing short of stunning. The film’s landscapes shimmer with vibrant textures, whether in dense forests, vast bodies of water, or ancient ruins. While the animals don’t speak, their personalities shine through expressive animation, particularly the cat, whose large, luminous eyes convey both vulnerability and strength. This silent narrative, though simple in its themes, resonates on a deep emotional level, as the cat gradually evolves from a solitary survivor to a trusted member of a motley crew of animals.
The thematic heart of Flow lies in its exploration of trust, friendship, and the importance of cooperation in a perilous world. The film’s titular concept of "flow" is masterfully woven into the narrative, illustrating the cat’s journey of learning to adapt and rely on others. From a tense opening chase with a pack of dogs to the life-threatening flood that follows, the cat’s brushes with danger are many, but each encounter brings new companions, from a capybara to a curious lemur, who help guide it toward a more communal existence. The film’s portrayal of interspecies camaraderie offers a touching lesson for both children and adults about the give-and-take of relationships.
Flow centers on the themes of survival, connection, and adaptation. At its core, the film explores the balance between independence and the necessity of relying on others, as seen through the journey of a lone cat navigating a post-human world. Flow touches on humanity’s relationship with nature, symbolized by the cat’s evolving role within the ecosystem. The absence of humans hints at the fragility of civilization, possibly alluding to themes like climate change or environmental destruction, though these are left open to interpretation. The film encourages viewers to embrace the natural flow of life, finding harmony with the world around them while learning to trust and connect with others along the way.
Flow is a triumph of artistic storytelling, proving that Zilbalodis is a unique talent in the world of animation. Its quiet, meditative narrative is both heartfelt and visually arresting, drawing viewers into an unforgettable journey of survival, trust, and the power of community. Whether you're a fan of animation, an animal lover, or simply appreciate a beautifully crafted story, Flow is a film that will leave you mesmerized and moved, making it a must-watch for audiences of all ages.
(This review contains spoilers.)
Flow, the second feature by visionary Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis, is a mesmerizing animated survival adventure that captivates with its vivid visuals and emotional depth. Following the journey of a lone black cat in a world abandoned by humans, the film draws the audience into a breathtaking and immersive experience. The story is told entirely without dialogue, but through Zilbalodis’ skillful animation and richly detailed landscapes, it speaks volumes about resilience, connection, and the delicate balance between independence and community. At just under 90 minutes, the film’s tight pacing keeps viewers enthralled while still allowing moments of quiet reflection and awe.
The world of Flow is strikingly crafted, blending the painterly beauty of photo-realistic environments with charming, cartoon-like animal characters. Zilbalodis’ visual style, inspired by the works of Hayao Miyazaki and Danish artist Peder Mørk Mønsted, is nothing short of stunning. The film’s landscapes shimmer with vibrant textures, whether in dense forests, vast bodies of water, or ancient ruins. While the animals don’t speak, their personalities shine through expressive animation, particularly the cat, whose large, luminous eyes convey both vulnerability and strength. This silent narrative, though simple in its themes, resonates on a deep emotional level, as the cat gradually evolves from a solitary survivor to a trusted member of a motley crew of animals.
The thematic heart of Flow lies in its exploration of trust, friendship, and the importance of cooperation in a perilous world. The film’s titular concept of "flow" is masterfully woven into the narrative, illustrating the cat’s journey of learning to adapt and rely on others. From a tense opening chase with a pack of dogs to the life-threatening flood that follows, the cat’s brushes with danger are many, but each encounter brings new companions, from a capybara to a curious lemur, who help guide it toward a more communal existence. The film’s portrayal of interspecies camaraderie offers a touching lesson for both children and adults about the give-and-take of relationships.
Flow centers on the themes of survival, connection, and adaptation. At its core, the film explores the balance between independence and the necessity of relying on others, as seen through the journey of a lone cat navigating a post-human world. Flow touches on humanity’s relationship with nature, symbolized by the cat’s evolving role within the ecosystem. The absence of humans hints at the fragility of civilization, possibly alluding to themes like climate change or environmental destruction, though these are left open to interpretation. The film encourages viewers to embrace the natural flow of life, finding harmony with the world around them while learning to trust and connect with others along the way.
Flow is a triumph of artistic storytelling, proving that Zilbalodis is a unique talent in the world of animation. Its quiet, meditative narrative is both heartfelt and visually arresting, drawing viewers into an unforgettable journey of survival, trust, and the power of community. Whether you're a fan of animation, an animal lover, or simply appreciate a beautifully crafted story, Flow is a film that will leave you mesmerized and moved, making it a must-watch for audiences of all ages.
