JEANNE’S REVIEW

FLOW is a magnificent feat in animation storytelling from award-

winning filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis. With no dialogue whatsoever, director, editor, cinematographer, art director and co-writer Zilbalodis takes his audience on an enchanting journey following a very brave cat and his newfound friends.

After a catastrophic flood ruins his home --- along with those of many other animals --- an independent cat must find a way to survive. It’s no longer possible to keep climbing higher because the flood waters have risen to unsustainable heights. The cat happens upon a small boat with a single mast which is already occupied by a capybara, who seems friendly enough.

As these two new companions navigate the sometime treacherous waters, they are joined by a ring-tailed lemur, an injured large bird and a loveable dog. As this motley crew searches for dry land, they must rely on one another for survival. Despite the fact that each species of animal may not get along under different circumstances, it is now imperative that they form a community and work together, developing lasting friendships as they go.

Zilbalodis, who co-wrote the story for FLOW with Matīss Kaža, is a self-taught animator and filmmaker from Latvia. His first feature film, AWAY (2019), was highly lauded and appeared in over 90 film festivals. He and his team worked on FLOW for five and a half years and the end result is phenomenal. All the animals embody the distinct traits of their species, especially the cat --- and the dog.

The animators led by Léo Silly Pélissier spent a great deal of time watching cat videos --- and it shows. Each animal’s movements are superb, but the feline --- who definitely has nine lives --- is especially spot on --- it’s incredible. From coughing up a hairball to chasing the sun’s reflection off a mirror, this darling cat has all the right moves.

Without dialogue, it is imperative that the soundtrack make a statement. Zilbalodis, who it seems can do it all, and composer Rihards Zaļupe have collaborated on a score that can qualify as an additional character in FLOW. The score is divine --- a musical presence that enhances every facet of this mystical experience.

And what an experience this gem is. Children will be delighted with the animals and the simple message gleaned from them. Adults will be enthralled by the deeper, more involved symbolism. FLOW is a movie the entire family can enjoy --- while reveling in its wondrous beauty and important message of friendship.

       IN THEATERS NOVEMBER 22, 2024

Opinion: Strong See It Now!

DAVID’S REVIEW

FLOW is an animated film to treasure. It follows a group of animals comprised of different species who band together to survive a cataclysmic flood.

The movie is unique in that there is no dialogue at all --- nary a human in sight. This is the trademark of Latvian writer/director Gints Zilbalodis who rarely uses dialogue in his films. He collaborated on FLOW with others from France and Belgium. His fellow countryman Matīss Kaža co-wrote the story.

As we sat in our theater it was impossible not to mentally add dialogue to match what was happening on the screen. The central animal figure is a cat who uses its guile and climbing ability to avoid various hazards. In fact, when the water rises dramatically and threatens to drown everything in its path, the cat manages to survive. And when he meows pitifully in fear, as when a herd of deer stampede through the forest and almost run him over, I felt the urge to jump into the screen and rescue him.

The other main animals include a dog, a lemur, a tall bird and a capybara, which is the largest rodent on Earth, native to South America. At one point, the cat manages to catch fish from the waters to feed the other animals who are essentially starving. Another sequence has a couple of the animals tugging on a rope attached to a boat suspended on a tree limb. Their goal is to rescue the capybara who was trapped on the boat which is about to fall into a deep chasm.

It is inspiring to watch these five diverse creatures work together to overcome every obstacle. Just like the animal videos that are so prevalent on social media, those in FLOW intuitively become friends whose survival is paramount. If only most humans had as much empathy as this group.

FLOW is that rare entertainment that has won numerous awards at film festivals all over the world, and it practically requires repeat viewing. The animation is top quality and frequently looks so good we feel like we’re watching an actual video. And the wonderful music from composer Rihards Zaļupe and Zilbalodis himself is extraordinary.

       IN THEATERS NOVEMBER 22, 2024

Opinion: Strong See It Now!