Gints Zilbalodis, the creative filmmaker behind Away, has returned with Flow (Latvian: Straume), a beautiful animated journey that demonstrates animation’s boundless possibilities. This 2024 film, which was chosen as Latvia’s entry for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards, offers an immersive, dialogue-free experience with astounding visuals and emotional depth.
Plot Summary
In Flow, a cat escapes a catastrophic flood that has ruined the planet. Stranded on a boat with animals of various species, including a capybara, dogs, and others, the unusual crew must work together to navigate their new, perilous surroundings. Faced with the obstacles of existence in the aftermath of a natural disaster, these creatures create an unexpected partnership, demonstrating themes of teamwork and resilience.
This ambitious narrative is told entirely without dialogue, relying on expressive animation and ambient sound design to propel the plot along. The film’s scope and artistry demonstrate Zilbalodis’ growth as a director, building on the promise of his debut film Away to produce a gripping, high-stakes trip.
Why You Should Watch
Flow exemplifies the power of animation, combining magnificent graphics with a heartwarming story of survival and cooperation. Its distinct storytelling approach and Zilbalodis’ artistic vision make it a must-watch for fans of animated films.
Watch a teaser/trailer below
Director: Gints Zilbalodis
Screenwriters: Gints Zilbalodis, Matiss Kaža
Latvia-France-Belgium | 2024 | 84min | Dialogue-free
Courtesy of: Curzon Film
Release Dates: 22 May 2024 (Cannes); 30 October 2024 (France)
Where to watch Flow (2024)
