Another Oscar review from Mhatt. This time an odd animation, that’s been nominated for Best Animated Feature, Flow. I hope this isn’t about that time of the month.
Flow
Starring a Cat, a Dog, a Lemur, a Capybara and a Bird. Directed by Gints Zilbalodis and written by Gints Zilbalodis, Matiss Kaza and Ron Dyens.
Flow follows the adventures of a cat trying to survive in a fantastical, mid-apocalyptic world.
The story is pretty much in the description here, so I will fill this space in as best I can. We are introduced to a cat who lives among the remains of a remote human society. During a daily foray, Cat’s world is ravaged by a flood and ends up on a sailboat where several other animals are taking refuge.
Herds of Elk, a conclave of gauche Lemurs, a pack of I am assuming abandoned house dogs, noble cranes and giant Whale-type creatures populate an unexplained half-sunken world where the familiar and the mystical intertwine. As desperation and destruction persist, the unlikely allies learn how to adapt and survive in their chaotic world.
What did you say?
Overall, Flow is a pretty interesting visual presentation, and it isn’t diminished by the absence of dialogue. The main communications are through animal sounds and an abundance of cat reaction shots.
The film was entirely rendered using Blender, which is an open-source software and is well done despite never really rising above the aesthetic of a video game cutscene. The creativity on display overshadows a vague plot that moves smoothly from one awesome visual sequence to the next. While still allowing the characters quiet moments to process the nature of their capacity for survival.
Learning to co-exist seems to be the theme this year for the animated pictures, or maybe I’m just looking for it; regardless.
Flow’s entertainment value will depend on the viewer’s patience. I suggest going into it with time to kill and an open mind as despite nothing really happening it’s still a pretty pleasant experience.
What You Should or Shouldn’t Watch For
- Nominated for Best Animated Feature
- Nominated for Best International Feature
Only recommended viewers for stoners, animation junkies, cat people, and anyone who needs confirmation you don’t need money to make good art as long as you have passion and talent.
