Flow

The emotional rollercoaster this film sent me on should be studied. No, seriously. Flow is a massive contender for Best Animated Feature and until just now, I wasn’t sure why. But there’s something so beautiful in its simple story that is free from spoken dialogue and human characters, and how it focuses in on a band of unlikely furry friends. It shares many similarities with The Wild Robot, including its unique animation style, subtle humour and emphasis on “found family.” Both films are considerate of their audiences, and allow for multiple interpretations to be made surrounding its material. However, if The Wild Robot made me cry, then Flow devastated me with bouts of sobbing. I can’t really explain why it made me sad, since it’s wrapped up in a hopeful, heartwarming way. But it did. Many scenes depicted the struggles of adapting to a transforming world, sharing your space, and putting trust in others. The animals and their connections felt humane, and I became very protective of them quickly. Please watch Flow, because it truly shines once you reach the halfway mark. Embrace the quirky repetitiveness of it, and let your eyes feast on its visuals. [10/10]