“Is my inner child dead?!” This thought hit me while watching Flow, a film released in 2024 that has received its fair share of accolades, including an Oscar. After its debut, I finally decided to give it a shot. The storyline follows a lonely cat who must survive a devastating flood, sharing a boat with various animals as their home is submerged.
Created by Gints Zilbalodis, Matiss Kaza, and Ron Dyens, this movie feels like a fresh twist on the Noah’s Ark narrative, but from the animals’ perspective. The film is notable for its lack of dialogue and enchanting music. The animation captures a mix of adorable creatures facing nature’s fury. However, while the backgrounds are stunning, some character designs, particularly the cat, seem lackluster, resembling basic digital models rather than engaging animations.
Interestingly, my favorite character turned out to be the ring-tailed lemur. It’s playful and curious, gathering human trinkets like a quirky hoarder. Despite the presence of a charming Golden Retriever in the story, I found myself rooting for the lemur. The cat’s design pales compared to the more vibrant creatures, reminding me why hand-drawn animations, like those in Studio Ghibli classics, resonate far better with audiences.
If you can look past the animation style in the first few minutes, there are heartwarming moments in Flow. The film tells an endearing story about friendship and survival amid disaster. The animals face various challenges, including predator attacks, yet they form bonds that resonate with viewers. Recent statistics show that animated films like this one have gained popularity, with families looking for content that highlights values of friendship and perseverance. In fact, studies suggest that about 60% of parents prefer watching animated films with their kids, acknowledging the positive messages they convey.
Overall, Flow offers a sweet narrative, despite some flaws in animation. You might enjoy it, especially if you appreciate unique stories about companionship in the face of adversity.
Rating: 5 out of 10.