If there’s one word to describe Flow, it would be unique. The film stands out in several ways, from its daring decision to forgo dialogue to its distinct animation style. Unlike the polished look of Disney Pixar or Universal productions, Flow adopts a raw naturalistic approach that stands out in terms of its style.

The absence of dialogue gives the story a more mature and realistic tone. The animals’ behaviors feel authentic rather than cartoonishly exaggerated, which makes the journey of its central character—a cat—both intriguing and refreshing. After a devastating flood destroys its home, the cat finds refuge on a boat inhabited by other animals, forcing it to navigate both survival and the dynamics of interspecies cooperation.

While Flow shines in its ambition and originality, it falls into a repetitive rhythm. The survival sequences, though beautifully crafted, begin to blend together, and the narrative struggles to build toward anything particularly profound. That said, Flow still surpasses some of the weaker entries in the animation category this year (Moana 2 comes to mind, though that’s not saying much).

One of the film’s strongest elements is its music. Composed by Gints Zilbalodis and Rihards Zalupe, the score elevates the experience, helping to maintain emotional engagement throughout the journey, even when the plot falters.

Ultimately, Flow is a daring, visually striking piece of animation that deserves credit for its creativity, even if it doesn’t fully land its ambitious concept.