41/32

Flow is one of the most visually stunning and innovative animations I have ever seen

A cat is a solitary animal, but when his home is destroyed by a major flood, he finds refuge on a boat inhabited by a variety of species, and despite their differences, they must join forces with them. The team was very confident that all the "voices" were done by real animals, so they recorded real animals for the film. To get the capybara sound, the sound engineer had to go to the zoo and shake a capybara. However, the real capybara sounds did not match the character's personality, so they used a baby camel in this film.

The film captivates from the very beginning with its emotional depth and unusual world-building

The lack of dialogue in the film only enhances its narrative, perfectly embodying the principle of "show, don't tell". The set design is simply amazing, creating a rich, immersive world devastated by a major flood. The sound design plays a key role, adding layers of realism to the film’s events, making every moment feel visceral and alive. The film’s ability to evoke deep emotions, especially in the animals, really moved me – it moved me to tears more than once.

The original soundtrack is mysterious and fits the film perfectly

I also loved the use of shaky cinematography throughout the film, which gave the film an extra sense of urgency and rawness. It weaves tension, curiosity and surprise into key moments, making the experience even more powerful. The cat, as the main character, carries the film effortlessly. The entire plot feels surreal, the animals driven by survival instinct.

The ending is wholesome and honest, concluding a truly moving journey

Each animal’s unique personality shines through: the cat is naturally skeptical, the capybara serves as a gentle guardian, the dog embodies the loyal golden retriever, the lemur is selfish and materialistic, and the bird feels like the cat’s guardian angel. The film's central theme is fear, which is beautifully explored through character storytelling. Even without dialogue, there is a sense of drama and tension, proving that words are not necessary to convey deep emotional weight. The film is visually provocative, and the way it conveys complex emotions is brilliant.

Flow is a cinematic masterpiece, both emotionally and visually

I truly hope this film wins an Oscar because it touched me so deeply.