Reviewed on May 22nd at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival – Un Certain Regard. 85 Mins
Genre: Animation, Family, Adventure
Director: Gints Zilbalodis
In Irish Cinemas: 21st March 2025
Among the world’s most brilliantly inventive animation studios—Pixar and Laika in the United States, Studio Ghibli in Japan, Aardman in England, and Cartoon Saloon in Ireland—a new name has earned its place. Enter a 30-year-old Latvian animator armed with nothing more than a laptop yet capable of crafting visuals as mesmerising and imaginative as the industry’s most prominent players. With a unique artistic vision and a mastery of digital tools, this emerging talent proves that groundbreaking animation is no longer confined to major studios but can flourish in the hands of a single, determined creator.
Latvian filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis, the creative force behind Flow, has now joined the ranks of Oscar winners. Armed with little more than a laptop, an unshakable vision, and an extraordinary talent for animation, his well-earned victory is a testament to both his ingenuity and the power of independent filmmaking.
Building upon the promise of his striking 2020 debut, Away, Zilbalodis delivers a breathtakingly immersive experience with Flow. Crafted in part using freely available open-source software, this DIY marvel defies industry norms, proving that storytelling prowess and artistic ambition can triumph over budget constraints.
A survival saga woven with mystery and magic, Flow transports viewers into a world as enchanting as perilous. With its sweeping landscapes, dreamlike atmosphere, and emotional depth that lingers long after the credits roll, it stands as a towering achievement in animation—one that wouldn’t feel out of place among the finest works of Studio Ghibli.
In the wake of a mysterious and relentless flood that has reshaped the world, a motley crew of animals drifts across the endless waters aboard a modest sailboat, searching for solid ground and an uncertain future. Among the unlikely shipmates are a sleek, ever-curious cat with an independent streak; a lively, wide-eyed ring-tailed lemur brimming with nervous energy; an enigmatic and aloof secretary bird, always observing from a distance; and the capybara—the laid-back, unflappable creature that has, in recent times, become the darling of the animal kingdom. Together, this eclectic band of survivors must navigate the vast, uncharted expanse before them, forging unlikely bonds as they sail towards whatever fate awaits.
Their journey is far from the sentimental adventure of The Incredible Journey or the allegorical depth of Life of Pi. These creatures are not imbued with human-like introspection or grand metaphors—they are, first and foremost, animals, and their actions reflect a keen understanding of real-world zoological behaviour. The filmmakers’ meticulous observation of nature is evident, with every movement and interaction feeling authentic—though, in one amusing creative liberty, the vocalisations of the capybara were sourced from a baby camel.
Yet, despite this dedication to realism, Flow still uncovers moments of emotional resonance that feel deeply familiar. There is an unspoken camaraderie in how these animals move together, a quiet but powerful display of teamwork, adaptability, and shared purpose. These underlying themes—friendship, ingenuity, and survival through cooperation—course through the film, much like the elusive, mythical whales that occasionally rise from the depths, revealing their presence with effortless, majestic power.
It has been a long time since something has so beautifully captured the awe and spiritual essence of the natural world. This breathtaking portrayal immerses viewers in nature’s raw beauty and delicate balance, evoking a profound sense of wonder. The dangers faced are real and ever-present—predators stalk their prey with silent precision, and the threat of separation looms at every turn. Yet, no excessive dramatisation exists; every moment is handled with grace and authenticity. Even the score, with its gentle, understated presence, enhances rather than overwhelms, allowing the true power of the natural world to shine through.
The animation possesses a soft, almost dreamlike quality, deliberately avoiding the polished sheen of traditional CGI in favour of a more tactile, textured aesthetic. Zilbalodis’s cinematography mirrors the movements of his feline protagonist, gliding with quiet intent through a half-submerged world where enigmatic cat-shaped monuments rise like relics of an ancient, long-forgotten civilisation. Like many elements of the film’s universe, these remnants are left intriguingly unexplained, adding to its air of mystery. As the journey unfolds, the film maintains its hypnotic, otherworldly tone, culminating in a mesmerising, magical realist finale that elevates the spirit while preserving the story’s ethereal spell.
Overall: 8/10
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