'Flow' review: A new kind of Animal adventure experience

Flow presents itself with a deceptive simplicity, initially resembling familiar animated narratives of animal camaraderie in the face of adversity. 

 

However, the film quickly distinguishes itself through its deliberate subversion of typical cartoon conventions, offering a refreshing and poignant take on the animated adventure. Flow is not simply a tale of survival; it's an exploration of connection, nature, and the subtle beauty of a post-human world, all rendered with a unique artistic vision. 

 

One of Flow's most striking departures from the norm is its portrayal of animals. Instead of anthropomorphic characters with exaggerated features and human-like behaviors, Zilbalodis presents creatures that are distinctly animalistic. They don't speak human languages, communicating instead through a realistic array of meows, growls, and chirps. 

 

This choice grounds the film in a sense of naturalism, emphasizing the inherent behaviors and instincts of each species. The animals' movements are also realistically depicted, devoid of the exaggerated gestures and slapstick common in many animated films. 

 

This commitment to verisimilitude in both communication and physicality creates a more believable and immersive experience for the viewer. The film's visual style further enhances its unique quality. Rather than striving for photorealism, Zilbalodis employs an abstract, painterly aesthetic. The animals are rendered with shifting dabs of color, creating a sense of fluidity and dynamism. 

 

This artistic choice, combined with the subtle use of light and shadow, gives the film a dreamlike quality, perfectly complementing the story's themes of nature and the passage of time. The environments, too, are rendered with a similar artistic touch, showcasing the beauty of a world both ravaged and reclaimed by nature. Flow is set in a post-human world, a subtle yet significant detail that adds depth to the narrative. The presence of abandoned tools, crumbling architecture, and a massive water barrier hints at a past civilization, leaving the viewer to ponder the reasons for its demise. 

 

This backdrop underscores the film's exploration of themes related to human impact on the environment and the resilience of nature. The animals, left to their own devices, adapt and survive in this altered landscape, forging new connections and finding a sense of community. The narrative centers on a small cat that joins a diverse group of animals on a damaged sailboat. 

 

This unlikely crew, composed of natural predators and prey, must learn to cooperate and trust one another to survive. The film explores the humor that arises from their clashing personalities and the challenges they face as they navigate the waterways. 

 

However, beneath the surface lies a deeper exploration of the development of their bond. As they face adversity together, the animals gradually overcome their inherent instincts and form a genuine connection, highlighting the power of empathy and cooperation. In conclusion, Flow is a poignant departure from typical animated tropes. 

 

 Through its realistic portrayal of animals, its unique visual style, and its thought-provoking narrative, the film offers a refreshing and meaningful cinematic experience. It's a testament to the power of animation to tell stories that are both visually stunning and emotionally resonant, challenging viewers to consider their relationship with the natural world and the importance of connection in a post-human era.