An evocative tale of survival and companionship, Flow brings together a diverse group of animals forced to navigate a world reshaped by cataclysm. At the heart of the film is a solitary black cat who, after his home is destroyed by a great flood, reluctantly finds himself aboard a drifting boat alongside a dog, a capybara, a lemur, and a bird. As this unlikely crew faces the dangers of a submerged and mysterious landscape, the cat must confront his fear of water and learn to trust his newfound companions.Renowned Latvian animator Gints Zilbalodis presents his most ambitious work yet, following his acclaimed solo feature debut Away. With Flow, he expands his vision, enlisting a larger team, including co-writer Matīss Kaža and co-composer Rihards Zaļupe. The film’s animation is fluid and visually captivating, blending lush, otherworldly landscapes with a sense of tactile realism that draws viewers into its fantastical world. Every gesture and glance tells a story, as the absence of dialogue enhances the emotional resonance and intensifies the narrative’s poetic rhythm.Though Flow subtly evokes associations with climate change, Noah’s Ark, and the refugee crisis, Zilbalodis insists that it’s primarily a personal, character-driven journey. The cat’s transformation from aloof loner to cooperative team player is mirrored in the evolving dynamics of the group, as they confront internal conflicts and natural threats. Despite the perilous setting, there’s a hopeful undercurrent, suggesting the possibility of harmony even amidst chaos.Screening in Un Certain Regard at Cannes, winner of the Jury and Audience Awards at Annecy International Animated Film Festival, and selected to be the Official submission of Latvia for the ‘Best International Feature Film’ category of the 97th Academy Awards, Flow is a visually stunning, deeply immersive experience, offering a meditation on resilience, change, and the delicate balance of coexistence—without ever uttering a single word.Nicole Guillemet