Sunday mornings are usually reserved for documentaries in my viewing routine, but this week I felt a strong urge to dive into a bona fide movie instead. Deciding what to watch on a quiet Sunday can be tricky—you don’t want something too scary, nor do you feel up for a full-blown rom-com or a raucous comedy. While browsing HBO, I noticed that the animated film Flow had just been added, and it immediately caught my eye.
Flow tells the story of a solitary black cat whose home is destroyed by a massive flood. With no human presence to complicate matters, the cat embarks on an unexpected journey across a transformed world. It escapes on a small boat, where it encounters a cast of unlikely companions—a friendly Labrador, a resourceful capybara, a mischievous lemur, and a dignified bird. Despite their differences, these animals come together in a quest for safety, forming bonds that feel both heartwarming and essential.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Flow is its complete lack of dialogue. Instead of spoken words, the film relies on stunning visuals and carefully crafted sound design to convey emotion and narrative. This choice is a true testament to the talent of the animation team. Every character is so expressively rendered that their feelings and intentions are immediately apparent without a single word. The story unfolds like a silent poem, inviting you to experience each moment purely through its imagery and the natural sounds of its world.
I must confess, I’m not typically a cat person—I’m actually allergic, so I usually steer clear of them. However, the cat in Flow is an exception. Its quiet strength and gentle resilience make it a character I can admire and, if I could have as a pet, would choose without hesitation. The film’s fantastical elements only add to its charm. Although it’s clear that animals aren’t naturally suited for boat navigation, the movie never lets these details disrupt its immersive world. Instead, these quirks contribute to the film’s sense of wonder.
I can see why Flow is making waves during awards season. The film has already won the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature and is being hailed as a frontrunner for the Oscars. While I personally think that honor might be better suited to The Wild Robot, I can’t help but appreciate Flow for its originality and the universal appeal of its wordless storytelling.
Watching Flow on that lazy Sunday morning was a refreshing experience. Its meditative pace, combined with lush visuals and heartfelt moments, offered a perfect escape. It reminds us that even in a world washed away by calamity, hope and cooperation can light the way forward. If you’re in the mood for a film that transcends language and delivers its message through pure visual poetry, Flow is definitely worth a watch.
Should You Watch It?
Yes, and if you have kids, they’ll love it too!
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