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Review (Mild Spoiler alert)
When there’s no dialogue to guide what the movie Flow is about, what’s presented is less of a story and more like events that track why we, as audiences, should love a stray black cat. Apparently, the world went dark overnight; some flood has rendered many cities underwater, and the only survivors we find are animals. While a great mystery looms over why another tsunami wave happened, that’s left for the older viewer to figure out. But for a child, they’re marvelling at a children’s book brought to life!
The cat is the hero of this film. After some random encounters navigating this world (they somehow manage a grand world tour), whom he meets along the way includes a capybara, ring-tailed lemur, golden retriever and a secretary bird. They all share one thing in common: their kind have abandoned them. Whether it’s because of some social pecking order, it’s easy to look at the parallels with human culture and that’s what makes this film enduring.
But what’s more important is in how this world requires the survivors to help each other. Instead of literally saying it’s a dog-eat-dog, the opposite must occur! And when this film also concerns creatures overcoming natural instincts, it’s easy to see why the cat is special.
Gints Zilbalodis‘ and Matīss Kaža tale is a fable; and I like to know why the image of the cat is prominent. The opening act features him lost in a forest, but pretty soon, he’s visiting a loggers’ cabin with many feline carved logs everywhere. In the background is a mountain featuring the prominent shape of another. This bust stands firm, and for a moment, I thought of the Egyptian cat goddess, Bast. When considering her role as a protector, there’s definitely some connection.
Although there are no other prominent images suggesting a heavier connection to this ancient world, the visit to pagodas of Asia may hint towards something else. Felines hold a position of high regard and play a significant role in the mythology of this world. I’m curious what that all means instead of the plot where the star of the show finds other animals in need and helps them.
With humanity gone, who can survive the new social order? Without saying too much, a wonderful scene plays out somewhat like the Iron Maiden song, “Flight of the Icarus.” And the soundtrack used has a mystical quality which sets up why every moment is magical in a heavenly way. That leads me to believe these creatures represent aspects of cardinal rather than capital virtues.
I’m definitely wanting to see this movie again when it hits home video, and hopefully there’ll be some bonus features included to explain this film’s higher purpose! One isn’t watching Flow because of its lucid dream-like visuals, but may feel that feeling of well-being as everything comes to a united end.
5 Stars out of 5
Flow Trailer (USA)
Flow Alternate Trailer
Flow Showtimes (Pacific Northwest)
- The Vic Theatre (Victoria, BC) until Dec 12, 2024
- The Rio Theatre (Vancouver, BC) beginning Dec 17, 2024
- Cinecenta (Victoria, BC), Feb 1, 2025
- CVAG (Courtney, BC), Apr 23, 2025
- AMC Dine In, SIFF Cinema Uptown and Royal Meridan (Seattle, WA), Dec 6
- Hollywood Theatre and Regal Fox Tower (Portland, OR), Dec 5
- The Flicks (Boise, ID), Dec 6
- For showtimes near you, please check local listings
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