Dec 5

Dec 5 'Flow' film review: Wordless, ethereal masterpiece of animation

A diverse group of animals band together to survive a flood-ravaged world in the animated masterpiece 'Flow' (opening in theaters on Dec. 6).

In short: After a flood devastates his home, a grey cat wanders through a flooded world aboard a small abandoned boat, collecting various fellow animal survivors along the way.

The brilliance of 'Flow' is its ability to tell a breathtaking, evocative story of survival and companionship - all told in a minimalist narrative wherein the main characters are unnamed animals who do not speak in human voices. 'Flow' relies entirely on its ability to convey complex themes and feelings through arresting visuals and a moody score.

Thematically, 'Flow' shares a lot in common with the video game 'Stray,' which similarly followed a cat through a post-human world as she tries to reunite with her family of cats amid various dangers. In this regard, making the story's main character a cat is a stroke of genius - as cats are curious, untrusting and skittish by definition: a perfect avatar for any human trying to survive an event they cannot hope to understand.

Despite being unnamed, the cat and the animals it comes across are filled with rich character. The lemur radiates endless curiosity for the trinkets he comes across - hinting at a reverence for relics of the world of humans. The imposing secretarybird is majestic - but its flock is less than welcoming of new comers. The lumbering, peaceful capybara is generous with the boat it captains and the labrador has a dopey kindness. And the little cat is a plucky little survivor venturing out into a flooded world.

Strictly from an animation perspective, 'Flow' elevates animation as a whole. The film succeeds in the almost impossible task of capturing the particular, subtle mannerisms of each animal - yet imparting just enough expression to express their fear, hope, surprise and warmth. The cell-shaded world is just this side of photorealistic - at times looking almost completely realistic, but exaggerated just enough to retain a stylized, fictional aesthetic.

Although 'Flow' is an animated film, its post-apocalyptic themes may be a bit too difficult for youngest viewers to grasp. Kids more accustomed to noisy, anthropomorphic animals voiced by comedians - like 'Secret Life of Pets' might not appreciate this profound work. As the water level relentlessly rises throughout the film, 'Flow' is less interested in the how or why of the devastation and instead focuses on the feelings associated with survival amid chaos. Viewers more open to quiet, understated journeys will absolutely love this beautiful, wonderous journey.

Final verdict: 'Flow' is a landmark work of mesmerizing, ethereal animation - an awesome, universal film that viewers of all ages and from all cultures can enjoy.