After a series of box office flops from Disney, many went into indie production “Flow” with low hopes, prepared to sit through the same tropes and overused animation style we expect from big producers. “Flow” exceeded expectations through its unique characters and exploration of themes that speak to the core of human nature.
Set in a post-human world, “Flow” follows the story of a cat fighting to survive a catastrophic flood. During the adventure, the feline navigates the dangers of the new world while learning about the important role community plays in overcoming hardships.
Despite the heavy focus on character interactions, the film features no dialogue. Instead of using witty one-liners and corny jokes to keep the audience’s attention, “Flow” relies on animals’ body language and behavior. This approach keeps viewers engaged since they must interpret the meaning behind the characters’ interactions.
“Flow” also differs from other films because of its lack of an antagonist. While some characters are not exactly helpful toward the ragtag group, the indiscriminate danger of the flood unites all of them. This ever-present threat keeps the audience from focusing too hard on one character, allowing them to easily see how the interactions unfold with the world.
In Wenlei Ma’s review of “Flow,” she points out how these creative choices impact the audience.
“Flow oozes with charm and playfulness, a delightful multi-generational film that captures a quiet grace missing from so many modern animated features,” Ma said.
The film’s success is partly due to its engaging nature. Many producers have shifted toward mindless entertainment, especially in animated movies. Disney CEO Bob Iger confirmed this at the DealBook Summit in New York.
“We have to entertain first. It’s not about messages,” Iger said.
A lack of thought-provoking media has left audiences craving something deeper. The themes and subjective nature of “Flow” satisfy this emotional need perfectly. Compared to recent Disney failures such as “Wish”, which IMDB user mvdb2004 described as “babysitter material,” the movie’s stimulating plot is leagues ahead.
“Flow” breaks away from the copy-paste animation dominating this genre with stylized 3D models that contrast perfectly with background art comparable to classic Disney movies. The unique animation choice won it the title of “Best Animated Feature Film” at this year’s Oscars.
It is difficult to believe this movie was made with Blender, a free 3D animation software. Animation has long been monopolized by big producers because of the cost. The success of “Flow” threatens the monopoly by proving that people without access to prestigious programs and studios still have a place in the genre.
This scenic film is not just a refreshingly thought-provoking watch; it serves as a foot in the door for small animators often overshadowed by the overused archetypes and themes that have become the standard for big studios.
