Flow

Scott Hardie: “It ruled.”

Astonishing. What a movie! Without a single word of dialogue, Flow speaks volumes about community, empathy, identity, connection, and coexistence.

One of my favorite movies of the 2010s, Life of Pi, was about whether humans and animals can bridge the gulf between them and see one another as individuals. (Spoilers at this link: Its "goodbye" scene still haunts me.) In a similar way, Flow asks whether animals can see themselves and each other as individuals. The animals ultimately represent us, of course -- we know how to recognize one another's personhood, but do we appreciate the true value in such recognition? Whether we will work together or struggle alone is humanity's big question, and our current crossroads in world history feels like a good opportunity to ask it again.

This movie touches on some heavy philosophical subjects, but its neatest trick might be in how very light it feels despite them. The story is breezy and a joy to watch unfold; it's not too rushed nor too languid, but just right for a captivating adventure that slows down sometimes to let you ponder its meanings. The animation may have been done on the cheap but it looks gorgeous, using light and color to create a vivid depiction of an impossible place. The animals don't speak, but they don't need to do so; the animation is more than sufficient as their communication. This movie is perfectly fine to enjoy for its pleasures on the surface, but it has a tremendous amount of depth for anyone who wants to think further about its meanings. Me, I've been obsessed with it ever since seeing it, and I can't recommend it enough.

PSA: Nearly every scene contains flowing water. Don't make my mistake! Go to the bathroom just before you see this. :-)

− December 26, 2024 • more by Scott • log in or create an account to reply