Get ready for a riveting cinematic experience as Ayala Malls Cinemas exclusively presents Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin., a historical thriller that is as thought-provoking as it is heart-pounding. This inspiring film, directed by Todd Komarnicki and starring Jonas Dassler, hits the big screen starting March 12 for a limited time only. Secure your tickets now at SureSeats.com.
A True Story of Courage and Conviction
Swept into a daring plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler, Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin. follows the extraordinary journey of Dietrich Bonhoeffer (played by Jonas Dassler), a theologian-turned-resistance-fighter faced with an impossible moral choice: stay true to his faith or risk everything to stop a tyrant. Also starring Phileas Heyblom and August Diehl, this film offers a gripping portrayal of a man whose convictions led him into one of history’s most dangerous resistance movements.
Watch the Trailer Here:
Critics and Audiences Praise the Film
Since its U.S. release in November, Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin. has captivated audiences, earning a 92% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an A Cinemascore.
What Critics Are Saying:
Variety lauds director Todd Komarnicki’s masterful storytelling, writing, “Komarnicki skillfully utilizes a time-tripping structure to trace Bonhoeffer’s evolution from pampered child of a well-to-do family to political prisoner held captive in the SS barracks at the Buchenwald concentration camp,” they wrote of Komarnicki. Of Dassler, they said, “Dassler shrewdly portrays Bonhoeffer with carefully calibrated measures of zeal, sincerity, boldness and, on occasion, terror.”
Jonas Dassler’s performance is also receiving high praise. Movieweb describes his acting as “superbly emoted”, particularly in the film’s emotional prison scenes. “This is an unabashed faith-based story, but you don’t have to be religious or a Christian to empathize with its universal themes.”
HeyUGuys commends the film’s depth, “Overall, ‘Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin.’ succeeds in painting a respectful and nuanced portrait of a man whose convictions led him down a path of dangerous resistance.”
This faith-driven yet universally relatable story explores themes of sacrifice, courage, and standing up for what’s right—no matter the cost.
Experience This Must-Watch Thriller in the Best Cinemas
Ayala Malls Cinemas provides the ultimate movie experience, featuring:
Plush seating and spacious legroom for maximum comfort.
State-of-the-art laser projection for sharper, more vivid visuals.
Top-notch Dolby Sound and Dolby Atmos for an immersive audio experience.
Cinema-goers can also indulge in delicious snacks from The Movie Snackbar, including buttery popcorn, hotdog sandwiches, burgers, and ice-cold beverages—perfect for your movie night!
Exclusive at Ayala Malls Cinemas – Book Your Tickets Now!
Rated R-13, Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin. screens exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas starting March 12. Don’t miss out on this must-watch historical thriller!
Get ready for one last unforgettable summer! Prime Video has officially announced that the highly anticipated third and final season of The Summer I Turned Pretty will premiere this July. With 11 episodes, this season promises to bring the beloved coming-of-age story to a heartfelt conclusion.
Streaming exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories, the series has become a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with its deeply emotional storytelling and relatable characters.
A Story That Stole Hearts Worldwide
Based on Jenny Han’s best-selling book trilogy, The Summer I Turned Pretty has resonated with fans across generations. The show made its stunning debut in 2022, quickly becoming the #1 series on Prime Video during its premiere weekend. The following year, Season Two shattered records—more than doubling Season One’s viewership within just three days of launch.
At its core, the series is a multigenerational drama centered around a love triangle between one girl and two brothers, the evolving dynamics between mothers and their children, and the enduring power of female friendships. It’s a nostalgic, emotional ride through first love, first heartbreak, and the magic of summer.
Meet the Minds Behind the Show
Season Three is led by showrunners Jenny Han and Sarah Kucserka, with Han, Kucserka, and Karen Rosenfelt serving as executive producers. Paul Lee, Hope Hartman, and Mads Hansen also executive produce for wiip, in partnership with Amazon Studios.
Han, the No. 1 New York Times best-selling author, has enchanted readers with her To All the Boys I’ve Loved Beforeand The Summer I Turned Pretty book series. Her literary works have been translated into more than 30 languages, and she has successfully adapted them for the screen, including the hit Netflix series XO, Kitty and the To All the Boys film trilogy.
Don’t Miss the Final Chapter
Fans can expect even more romance, drama, and unforgettable moments in this highly emotional farewell season. Mark your calendars for July, and prepare to say goodbye to Cousins Beach.
Repertory Philippines (REP) announces the full cast and creative team for its 88th season offering of Yasmina Reza’s Olivier & Tony award-winning comedy, ART, with a translation by Christopher Hampton and directed by Victor Lirio.
The anticipated production will open on June 13 and run until June 21, with regular performances scheduled from Friday to Saturday at 8PM, and matinee performances on Saturday at 3:30PM. All performances will be at REP’s recently inaugurated REP Eastwood Theater in Quezon City.
REP’s production of ART will be comprised of New York, London, and Manila-based creatives. The international cast features London-based Filipino-British actor Martin Sarreal, who appeared in Season 3 of the hit Netflix series, Bridgerton; award-winning Manila-based actor Brian Sy, who was recently seen in The Sandbox Collective’s Tiny Beautiful Things and is currently in Company of Actors in Streamlined Theatre (CAST) PH’s Othello as Cassio; and British stage, film, and television actor Freddy Sawyer, a Bristol Old Vic alum and who appeared in Apple TV’s hit series, Trying.
Directed by Victor Lirio, ART’s creative and production teams include Miguel Urbino (scenic and costume design), Miriam Crowe(lighting design), Fabian Obispo (original music and sound design), Maisie Carter (fight director), Zoe Littleton (voice coach), Uriel Villar (assistant director), Julia Pacificador (associate scenic designer), Patricia Gregorio (production manager), and Jayvee Carreon (production stage manager).
Written by French playwright Yasmina Reza and translated by British playwright Christopher Hampton, the comedy raises questions about art and friendship and concerns three long-time friends—Serge (Sarreal), Marc (Sawyer), and Yvan (Sy). Serge, indulging his penchant for modern art, buys a large, expensive, completely white painting. Marc is horrified, and their relationship suffers considerable strain as a result of their differing opinions about what constitutes “art.” Yvan, caught in the middle of the conflict, tries to please and mollify both of them.
West End’s Lirio is back at the helm
Lirio directed REP’s critically acclaimed production of Harold Pinter’s Betrayal last season, recipient of several Gawad Buhay citations including Outstanding Production and Direction; the London premiere of Adam Rapp’s Pulitzer Prize nominated Red Light Winter; and in Bristol, UK, the double bill production of Edward Allan Baker’s North of Providence and Dolores, and Richard Greenberg’s Three Days of Rain. In New York, he directed Cassandra Medley’s award-winning Noon Day Sun (starring Emmy Award winner Ron Cephas Jones, Time Out New York Critic’s Choice); Warren Bodow’s Race Music (New York Times Critic’s Pick); and Medley’s plays, Coming Up for Air (starring Tony Award winner Tonya Pinkins) and Cell (starring Tony Award nominee Condola Rashad). Trained at London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art as a classical actor with a Master’s degree in Drama Directing from the Bristol Old Vic, Victor was Resident Director on Dr Semmelweis by Stephen Brown at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London’s West End starring Oscar winner Mark Rylance.
Sanreal’s REP debut, Sy and Sawyer round out Art’s international cast
British-Filipino actor Martin Sarreal appeared in the world premiere of the Elton John and Jake Shears musical, Tammy Faye, at the Almeida Theatre in London. Since graduating from Drama Centre London, he has gone on to star in numerous productions across stage, TV and film. Theatre credits include the Evening Standard Award-winning and Olivier nominated London production of Here Lies Love (Royal National Theatre), Forty Years On (Chichester Festival Theatre), Read Not Dead: The Duke of Milan(Shakespeare’s Globe), Corrina Corrina (Headlong Theatre/Everyman Liverpool). Martin can currently be seen as Lord Barnell in Season 3 of Bridgerton on Netflix.
Award-winning Manila-based actor Brian Sy is the recipient of the Gawad Buhay Award for his portrayal of Aufidius in Tanghalang Pilipino’s Coriolano, for which he also garnered an Aliw Award nomination for Best Featured Actor. He recently appeared in Nia Vardalos’ adaptation of Cheryl Strayed’s Tiny Beautiful Things (The Sandbox Collective, 2024), and as Maximo in Pat Valera’s Mula sa Buwan (Barefoot Theatre Collaborative, 2024). His recent notable works for the stage include: M in Duncan Mcmillan’s Lungs, Kooriyama Tatsuya in Suzue Toshiro’s If He Doesn’t See Your Face, Ronildo ‘Ka Roy’ Ibanag in Guelan Luarca’s theatrical adaptation of Lualhati Bautista’s novel entitled Desaparesidos, Ferdinand in PETA’s adaptation of The TempestReimagined, Edmund in both the English and Filipino versions of Dulaang UP’s King Lear/Haring Lear (dir. by Tony Mabesa, 2015). Brian has performed in international theatre festivals in Spain, Taiwan, Malaysia, Belarus, Vietnam, and China. He’s currently appearing in CAST PH’s 2025 run of Othello as Michael Cassio.
Freddy is a London-based actor and writer, who trained at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School after reading Education with Drama & English at the University of Cambridge. Freddy is thrilled to be working with Victor again, having the played the role of Davis in his production of Red Light Winter (by Adam Rapp) at London’s Turbine Theatre in 2021. UK television credits include Life After Life (BBC), Alice & Jack (Channel 4) and Trying (Apple TV). UK/USA screen credits include the role of Derek in the feature film Fair Play (dir. Chloe Domont), which screened at Sundance Film Festival 2023 (currently streaming on Netflix). Freddy’s short film Twenty (co-authored with director Jason Hogan) was featured in numerous international film festivals and received over fourteen awards.
REP’s Bridge Project focuses on classical work for 2025 season
Continuing Repertory Philippines’ partnership with the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, the Bridge Project 2025Season will focus on classical work with week-long workshops on Shakespeare Rhetoric, Voice & Alexander Technique, Movement and Stage Combat. It will also offer production arts workshops on scenic design and lighting for theatre performance with visiting tutors from New York and the UK.
Mindy Perez-Rubio, REP’s President & CEO said: “In partnership with Bristol Old Vic Theatre School (“BOVTS”), we are thrilled to be expanding our Bridge Project sessions this year with special focus on stage craft and classical work. In addition to Victor Lirio’s Shakespeare Rhetoric course, we are bringing additional tutors from BOVTS to teach Voice, Movement & Stage Combat.
“We are planning for a major Shakespeare production next year and investing in our local artists here in Manila by providing them with the artistic support, training, and resources. We are grateful for the leadership of REP’s Board of Trustees, support from Fiona Francombe at BOVTS, and the generosity of our donors and sponsors whose support for the Bridge Project is crucial,” she added.
For show-buying and ticket inquiries, contact REP at 0966-905-4013 or 09626918540 send us an email at promotions@repphil.org or sales@repphil.org.
For more information on the Bridge Project 2025 Season and how to register for the workshops, visitwww.repertoryphilippines.ph.
For updates and show schedules, visitwww.repertoryphilippines.ph, or like and follow repertoryphilippines on Facebook and Instagram.
Krispy Kreme is taking sweet treats to new heights with the launch of its latest creation—the Cloud Bomboms! Answering the clamor for more premium snacking and artisanal dessert, this latest offering reimagines the classic Italian Bomboloni, known for its soft, pillowy dough and generous filling.
A leader in the sweet treat category, Krispy Kreme continues to elevate dessert experiences with its own version of the beloved filled doughnut. The Cloud Bomboms collection introduces three irresistibly light and fluffy flavors, each featuring cloud-like kreme filling encased in Krispy Kreme’s signature melt-in-your-mouth soft-shell dough.
A Trio of Dreamy Delights
The Cloud Bomboms collection is available in a pre-assorted box of three, featuring these delightful flavors:
Lotus Biscoff® Cloud – A soft-shell doughnut coated in a Lotus Biscoff-sugar mix and generously filled with Lotus Biscoff® kreme for a rich, caramelized crunch.
Strawberry Cloud – A pillowy doughnut coated in a strawberry-sugar mix, bursting with cloud-like strawberry kreme for a fruity and refreshing bite.
Chocolate Cloud – A chocolate lover’s dream, this doughnut is coated in cocoa powder-sugar mix and filled with luscious chocolate kreme for the ultimate indulgence.
Limited-Time Indulgence
The Cloud Bomboms collection is available at all Krispy Kreme stores starting at P240. These dreamy doughnuts are only here until March 31, 2025, so don’t miss out on this limited-time sweet treat!
“Our Cloud Bomboms are light, airy, and fluff-in-a-bite good—the kind of sweet treat you won’t want to put down. We can’t wait for our OGs to give them a try, whether they’re treating themselves or sharing these with their loved ones,” said Ysabel Cruz, Senior Marketing Manager of Krispy Kreme Philippines.
Don’t Miss the Chance to Taste the Clouds!
#SpotHappy with Krispy Kreme’s newest innovation and experience the lightest, fluffiest doughnuts yet! Grab a box before they disappear!
Jollibee is giving Filipinos more reasons to enjoy their everyday meals with the launch of the all-new Jollibee Chicken Fillet—an affordable, sulit-sarap meal that delivers Saucy, Meaty Sarap like never before! Starting at just ₱69, this latest offering features meaty, tender, chicken fillet slices paired with two rich, delicious sauce options:
Pepper Cream – Rich, creamy sauce with a peppery kick,s making each spoonful taste irresistibly satisfying.
Tomato ‘n Cheese – Savory tomato sauce with soft, chewy Mozzarella cheese bits, creating a comforting, full flavor in every bite.
The new Chicken Fillet meals are perfectly complemented by their signature sauces, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. Whether you’re a fan of that savory tomato taste or find yourself craving for creamy, peppery flavors, there’s a Chicken Fillet meal perfect for you. With generous servings of meaty goodness and sauce-sulit satisfaction, Jollibee Chicken Fillet proves that great taste doesn’t have to come at a high price.
“We designed the Jollibee Chicken Fillet to be big on flavor and even bigger on value, so we can bring joy to everyone looking for an affordable but truly satisfying everyday meal,” said Joseph Aruta, Marketing Director for Rice Meals at Jollibee Philippines.
“Whether you’re craving something comforting for lunch or need a quick yet hearty bite, this meal is made to deliver that ‘up ang sarap’ experience—meaty, saucy, and sulit in every bite,” he added.
The Jollibee Chicken Fillet is proof that a budget meal doesn’t have to feel like a compromise. Whether you’re dining in, grabbing a quick bite on the go, or having it delivered to your doorstep, this sulit-sarap meal is guaranteed to be a flavorful and filling choice.
So why settle for less when you can have Saucy Chicken Sarap at a sulit price? Head to your nearest Jollibee store and try the new Jollibee Chicken Fillet meal today! It’s available for dine in, take out, drive-thru, and delivery via the Jollibee App, JollibeeDelivery.com, #87000, GrabFood, and Foodpanda..
Watsons, the leading health, wellness, and beauty retailer, celebrates Women’s month. As a brand that champions women empowerment, Watsons Philippines is launching #UnstoppablePowHER, a campaign dedicated to empowering women through a diverse range of health and beauty products. From vitamins and sanitary protection to skincare and cosmetics, Watsons provides everything women need to feel confident, healthy, and unstoppable.
Beyond products, Watsons is committed to fostering awareness of health and wellness among women. To support this, Watsons will introduce educational content led by its trusted pharmacists and beauty advisors, offering expert advice on health, wellness, and beauty. These online resources aim to help women embrace their inner strength and authenticity, making self-care more accessible and informed.
“Watsons has always been a company that celebrates women. We recognize their strength, resilience, and ability to inspire, and we practice this not just in how we serve our customers but also within our organization. With 80% of our workforce made up of women and 60% of our Watsons Club members being female, we are deeply committed to creating a conducive and safe work environment while providing women access to essential health, beauty, and wellness products. We are excited to launch more partnerships and activations in our stores to continue supporting and celebrating them,” said Sharon Decapia, SAVP for Marketing, PR & Sustainability.
Further strengthening its commitment to gender equity, A.S. Watson has become the first health and beauty retailer to sign the Women’s Empowerment Principles under UN Women. This global initiative is dedicated to advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment, reinforcing Watsons’ mission to create opportunities for women and foster a more inclusive community.
Watch out for more initiatives and programs from Watsons as they continue to champion and uplift women.Visit your nearest Watsons store or explore the Watsons App, available for download on the App Store or Google Play, to discover a wide array of health, wellness, and beauty essentials designed to support and empower every woman.
Klook is thrilled to announce our role as the Official Experience Partner for Lady Gaga’s highly anticipated return to Singapore. Performing in the country for the first time in 13 years since her 2012 Born This Way Ball Tour, the four-show run at National Stadium kicks off on Sunday, May 18, 2025, with additional performances on May 19, 21, and 24. Singapore is the only stop in Asia.
Exclusive Presale: March 19-21 – Only on Klook
Klook members will have exclusive access to the presale through the Klook app from 19 Mar (Wed), 10am to 21 Mar (Fri) 9:59am. Each package includes a pair of concert tickets and a one night or two nights stay at top 4* 5* hotels starting from $589 and $728 respectively —ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience from check-in to showtime.
What makes a movie the Greatest Action Movie Ever? Is it jaw-dropping fight choreography? Precision-timed stunts? Or a hero so iconic that their very name sends shivers down your spine? With John Wick: Chapter 4, the answer is clear: it’s all of the above.
Keanu Reeves’ return as the relentless assassin, solidifying John Wick as a true action phenomenon. Praised as “a love letter to action cinema” (Empire) and “pure, over-the-top action spectacle” (The Hollywood Reporter), John Wick 4elevates everything fans loved about its predecessors and levels up in every way imaginable. And now, you can experience this cinematic masterpiece of mayhem in all its glory, exclusively on Lionsgate Play.
4 Reasons why Chapter 4 is the G.A.M.E.
The fourth instalment of the John Wick saga isn’t just another sequel – It’s a symphony of cinematic carnage. With its signature blend of inventive set pieces, revenge-thriller vibes and of course, the charming Reeves, John Wick Chapter 4 is hailed as the crowning jewel of the franchise. With a staggering 94% score on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s officially the highest-rated installment. Here’s why it is the ‘Greatest Action Movie Ever’.
1. Action that redefines the genre
Every fight sequence is meticulously choreographed – so fluid and precise, it’s like watching a deadly ballet. Director Chad Stahelski, himself a stuntman, frames every movement with an elegance reminiscent of Fred Astaire—if Fred Astaire wielded nunchucks.
2. World-building on steroids
From the neon-clad streets of Osaka to the romantic devastation of Paris, John Wick Chapter 4 expands its universe like never before. The High Table’s shadowy empire grows pulling you deeper into its labyrinth of conspiracies.
3. Keanu Reeves – An unstoppable hero with a zen edge
Critics praise Reeves saying “barrels through the picture with equal parts rampaging force and Zen-like cool” (Los Angeles Times). Reeves is the hero we all want to be: calm, precise, and unbreakable.
4. The late Lance Reddick’s final bow
The late Lance Reddick’s final performance as Charon, the ever-loyal concierge, adds a poignant weight to Chapter 4. His presence is a reminder that, beneath all the gunfire and mayhem, John Wick is ultimately a story about loyalty, honor, and humanity.
A franchise that changed action movies forever
When John Wick hit theaters in 2014, no one could have predicted the impact it would have on American action cinema. What began as a lean revenge story about a man and his dog has evolved into an epic saga blending high-octane stunts with a mythical narrative. Rolling Stone aptly calls it “the most reliable film franchise this side of Mission: Impossible.”
The fourth chapter doesn’t just continue the story, but raises the stakes while bringing out the big guns—literally and figuratively. While Reeves and the late Reddick anchor the film, Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård, and Laurence Fishburneadd to the film’s firepower. Yen stuns as the formidable Caine, blending deadly precision with sly humor. Skarsgård’s Marquis oozes cold menace, and Fishburne’s Bowery King brings grit and rebellion with his commanding presence.
The cast’s performance, along with the visual flair and over-the-top action, has resulted in an installment that has been described by critics as “more stylish, more elegant and more bonkers” (Associated Press) than its predecessors. Bottom line: it’s a feat of cinematic excess that will leave you breathless.
Dive into the chaos, elegance, and pure adrenaline of John Wick: Chapter 4 as it premieres on Lionsgate Play this March 14.
“This film blends genres in a cool, unique way that I’ve never seen before”– Jack Quaid
Jack Quaid is amped for fans to witness Novocaine, a wild mix of action, comedy, and romance. “I hope audiences will enjoy that. It’s going to be a wild ride, and I’ll be so excited to hear the reactions inside the theater,” says the actor, known for his roles in The Boys and Oppenheimer.
Ray Nicholson
A Hero Who Feels Nothing—Literally
Quaid plays Nathan Caine, an ordinary guy with an extraordinary condition—he cannot feel pain. When his dream girl, Sherry (Amber Midthunder), is kidnapped, Nate turns his unique trait into a weapon, pushing himself beyond human limits to rescue her.
Watch the Trailer Now:
A Film So Intense, Even the Crew Had to Look Away
Filming Novocaine wasn’t for the faint of heart. “You know it’s working when you have to look away from the monitors because you’re seeing something graphic happen to a guy who can’t feel pain. It was so real and felt so visceral. That’s the reaction we’re hoping audiences will have as well,” shares producer Drew Simon. “Everyone has delivered – from hair and makeup to stunts to prosthetics to everything in between.”
Jacob Batalon
A Bloody Good Time—With Laughs Along the Way
Despite its gritty action, Novocaine doesn’t take itself too seriously. Co-director Robert Olsen highlights the film’s unique blend of humor and violence. “The mix of humor and violence is also what makes this movie special because everybody’s seen an action movie that has a ton of gore in it and a more dour tone,” says Olsen. “But the image of somebody being punched in the face and smiling right after is the heart of this movie.”
A Love Story with Depth and Danger
Beyond the action and comedy, Novocaine delivers an emotionally charged romance. “I love Nate and Sherry as a couple,” says Quaid. “They’re incredibly cute together. And working with Amber was such a pleasure. There’s a certain comfort when you have a scene partner you feel so good with.”
Amber Midthunder
For Amber Midthunder, the film’s love story adds a compelling layer. “I think what makes their relationship so special is that they bring out this true version of the other person,” she shares. “Dan [Berk, co-director], Bobby [Robert Olsen, co-director], and I talked a lot about how Nate sees Sherry in a way she’s never been seen before. To Sherry, that is both alarming and disarming and that’s what makes her feel so drawn to him and feel safe with him, especially so quickly. She’s affected by that because she’s never felt that kind of safety before in her life.”
Feel Every Second of the Action—March 12 in Philippine Cinemas
Get ready for an adrenaline-fueled ride when Novocaine hits the big screen. Experience the thrills, the laughs, and the love—only in cinemas starting March 12, 2025.
After seeing ‘Flow,’ it became very, very clear to me why it won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature over the intelligent and heart-warming ‘Inside Out 2’ and the surprisingly charming ‘Wild Robot.’ The two latter films, while very well-made and will undoubtedly be classics, they do not have the sense of wonder and magic that ‘Flow’ has. The two mainstream animated features are very accommodating, and its narratives are written to ensure that everyone understands what it is they are trying to say. Not ‘Flow.’ The Academy Award winning movie gives us a sort of post-apocalyptic adventure with animals and not a single bit of dialogue. Nothing is explained and every scene, every image is given to us like a metaphor but without any indication of what they had intended it to be a symbol for.
In a way, ‘Flow’ acts as an allegory, but an allegory to what? They left that to us.
‘Flow’ is the story of a dark gray cat who is out in the woods. He lives in an empty house with cat sculptures set up in the lawn. No sign of the owner. Suddenly, out of the blue, a great flood strikes and submerges every bit of land under water. The cat finds a boat with a capybara and the two sail towards distant towers that jut out of the water. Along the way they meet other animals – a lemur, dogs, a secretarybird, and an odd-looking whale – and they journey towards the towers and try to survive as the water level keeps rising and there’s no land at all in sight but the towers.
Throughout the film’s runtime, the animals relatively behave like animals, and they don’t talk at all. So, it’s all about behaviour. The way a dog would react to a cat or to a lemur. The way the capybara seems to be friendly with almost every other animal as you can see from various posts on social media about the relative chill quality of the capybara. There are some actions that lean towards human-like, but they are so infrequent that it doesn’t break the spell.
So, while these animals have very little control over what’s happening, the film finds a way to create a thematic structure that gives us a story that we can hold on to and that carries from the story’s beginning to its end. It does this completely with vibrant imagery that we can make for ourselves what we feel this movie is a symbol of. The great flood that puts our characters in danger in the first place can be connected to a biblical flood, but you could also talk about climate change. The animal composition and how they got on that boat together could be a metaphor and it can be interpreted in so many ways.
In terms of profundity, it would be cheating but it’s not because it can also survive as just a story about a few animals trying to survive a fantastical flood. It doesn’t have to get any deeper than that. ‘Flow’ is just so excellently thought out and so wonderfully animated that it becomes second-nature for us to instill into it meaning.
There is no explanation for the flood or for any of the things that happen in the movie – and there are unexplainable – and while it makes us ask questions, it also adds a sense of wonder and mystery to the whole narrative that elevates it into something magical, mythical. Even the way they decided to imagine the whale brings us to a different world entirely. It’s not afraid to be not grounded in anything real but the fact that the animals, our main characters, are just animals and not some anthropomorphic metaphor for humans makes ‘Flow’ such an interesting work.
Everyone in the cinema that I was watching it in were reacting to every little thing. Some of the children seated behind me was filling out all the details out loud. They couldn’t help themselves. It’s such a magical story and how it was told that it made me want the film to last forever. Again, I am so happy that it won Best Animated Feature at the Oscars and that it is showing in the cinemas. Watch it in the biggest screen you can. It’s magical.
My Rating:
Flow is now showing in cinemas. Check showtimes and buy your tickets here.
