Poetic and Profound

This weekend, I watched Flow, the much-discussed and award-winning Latvian animation.

This beautiful, simple, and profound film has been capturing audiences' attention worldwide, surprising not only with its sensitive storytelling but also with its modest budget—far from the astronomical figures of major studio animations like Disney (Flow: $3.8 million vs. Mufasa: $200 million).

The film does without dialogue, grand visual effects, or catchy songs to touch the hearts of both adults and children. Its strength lies in the universality of emotions and the subtle way it addresses essential themes, such as the future of Earth and the cycles of life.

The absence of words may be surprising, especially for children, but it quickly reveals itself as an invitation to immerse in the film’s allegories. The narrative takes us to a post-apocalyptic world where only traces of human civilization remain. In this setting, a solitary cat embarks on an unexpected journey, joining an unlikely group of animals—a dog, a lemur, a capybara, and a messenger bird—to face a great flood.

In the face of this challenge, the only option is to go with the flow, adapt, and find a common purpose amid diversity and adversity. Confined to a small boat, the characters learn, throughout their journey, about collaboration, empathy, respect, forgiveness, and overcoming fear. Friendship emerges from coexistence and is strengthened by differences.

Flow poetically brings to light fundamental questions about our survival and relationships in today's world. A story without words, yet filled with meaning and depth—just like the challenging waters that guide its narrative.

#FlowMovie #EmotionalJourney #ThoughtProvoking #Adaptation #Colaboration #Diversity  #Storytelling