Why 'Flow' is a Must-Watch Animated Film That Won the Oscar Despite Its Tiny Budget

Gints Zilbalodis's Latvian animated film, Flow, unexpectedly emerged as one of 2024's most remarkable cinematic achievements. This groundbreaking film garnered over 20 international awards, including a Golden Globe, and made history as the first Latvian production to win the coveted Oscar for Best Animated Feature.

Set in a hauntingly beautiful, post-apocalyptic world devoid of humanity, Flow follows a resourceful cat and other animal survivors navigating an impending global flood.

Table of Contents

• What Makes Flow So Extraordinary
• The Open-Ended Conclusion
• Recording Authentic Animal Sounds

What Makes Flow So Extraordinary

Animals Mirroring Human Behavior

At its heart, Flow uses animals to explore complex human traits and social dynamics. The adaptable and resourceful cat; the calm but potentially complacent capybara; the strong, decisive secretary bird; the energetic, social labradors; and the consumerist lemur—each character embodies distinct human characteristics. This creates a rich tapestry of personalities offering valuable lessons for children while resonating with familiar behaviors for adults. Director Gints Zilbalodis even drew parallels between his own team-building experience and the cat's journey of learning trust and collaboration.

A Story that Sparks Childlike Imagination

Released amidst global pandemic recovery and political unrest, Flow resonates deeply with contemporary concerns about survival, cooperation, and environmental challenges. Without dialogue or human characters, the film invites viewers to interpret its layers. The remnants of civilization—boats hanging from trees—hint at previous floods and possible evacuations, leaving the specifics to audience interpretation. The mysterious secretary bird further fuels speculation, prompting questions about its nature: divine intervention, hallucination, or simply a powerful leader?

The Open-Ended Conclusion

The film's open ending leaves viewers pondering several possibilities: Will the characters find new ways to coexist after the flood? How will their relationships evolve? What lessons about survival and community can we glean from their experiences? This multi-layered approach allows for personal interpretation and meaning.

A Unique and Deceptively Simple Animation Style

Flow's visual style deviates from traditional animation, creating a distinctive aesthetic that complements its themes. Inspired by watercolor techniques and video game design, the animation achieves a dreamlike quality. Unlike fast-paced, sharply outlined blockbusters, Flow's seamless transitions and extended shots fully immerse the audience, creating moments of cinematic magic, such as extended camera movements through landscapes without cuts.

No Words Needed

Flow proves that compelling storytelling doesn't require dialogue. Through masterful use of body language, facial expressions, and a natural soundscape, the film effectively communicates emotions and relationships.

Recording Authentic Animal Sounds

Capturing authentic animal sounds presented unique challenges. The lead cat's vocalizations required covert recording methods. Capybaras' vocalizations only occur in specific situations (like being tickled!), necessitating innovative solutions. Even common sounds were carefully crafted to match each character's personality.

Critical Acclaim and Recognition

Despite a modest $3.5 million budget—a fraction of its competitors—Flow received widespread praise. Guillermo del Toro called it "a visionary beginning for animation's future," Bill Hader declared it "the best film of 2024," and Wes Anderson lauded its "absolute uniqueness and wild excitement." Its success showcases how creative vision and innovative techniques can overcome financial limitations to achieve artistic excellence.