“Flow” exquisitely delivers 3D animation of animals without humans

Animation has entertained audiences for decades, often highlighting the vocal talent defining and enhancing characters' personalities. Now, in his unique, inventive "Flow," Latvian writer/director Gints Zilbalodis presents an imaginative, fabulous 3D animated film. Told solely from an expressive black cat's point-of-view, no human voices intrude into any part of the story. 

After establishing a populated forest environment, the action jumps into high gear quickly with a catastrophic flash flood inundating the area. After nearly drowning, the black cat (hereafter called Cat and from whose point-of-view all events unfold) scrambles and struggles to survive, eventually taking refuge aboard a small boat with a friendly dog, an indifferent capybara, a feisty lemur, and am officious secretary bird. The five animals, not normally found together, forge a bond, though all are wary at first, solving conflicts in tandem. They change, they trust, and they come to appreciate each other as these animals navigate a perilous series of crises, including a deserted, devastated city.

In a quick hour twenty-five minutes, "Flow" offers a wonderful immersion in its world, heightening sensitivity to the nonhuman realm. For all but the capybara, actual animal sounds were used. Further, the superb animators filmed their own pets in order to integrate authentic, expressive body language and micromovements for each animal, especially for their eyes. The camera, the lighting, and the soft but never intrusive music communicate emotions. And the look of the many, diverse water scenes is equally remarkable, water being one of the more difficult realities to capture convincingly.

In a YouTube interview, director Zilbalodis says that Cat must learn to confront and accept two fears: water and, indispensably, "working together with others," while the dog pursues an opposing trajectory, becoming more independent and less submissive. Zilbalodis designs his film to invite "the audience to participate in the storytelling." In an interesting footnote, he reveals his personal connection, namely, that previously he created alone and now "had to learn to work together in a team."  

Contributing as producer, composer, editor, writer, and director, Zilbalodis deserves major artistic credit for his remarkable ingenuity and talent. He hopes "Flow" teaches "the importance of seeing the world through another's eyes and working together to overcome differences." Indeed, "Flow" transcends cultural boundaries. Among the best films of the year, "Flow" is Latvia's entry in the Oscar's Best International Feature Film category and is screening now.

Endnote: My second viewing of "Flow" became immensely entertaining as my two cats (Tiger and Roger) responded to the images and sounds. Both sat in front of the television, pawing at the screen, crouching when Cat cried, taking hunting poses when Cat confronted other animals, and relaxing during quiet moments. They certainly enjoyed the film and confirmed the faithful feline sounds.