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.
It’s that time of the week again—new movie Wednesday! Fresh off its award-winning acclaim, ‘The Brutalist,’ starring Adrien Brody, leads a pack of must-see films. Join Milla Jovovich’s perilous quest in the fantasy epic ‘In the Lost Lands,’ and witness Jared Harris’s compelling performance in the dramatic ‘Brave the Dark.’ Uncover historical truths in the powerful documentary ‘Dahomey,’ and embark on an animated adventure with ‘Flow.’ Experience the resilience of faith in ‘In Thy Name,’ and face chilling terrors in ‘Island of Death, including the chilling thriller ‘Rich Flu‘ with Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Rafe Spall, and Lorraine Bracco, where a strange disease targets the wealthy. Robert Pattinson takes on a mind-bending role in the sci-fi thriller ‘Mickey 17,’ while anime fans can rejoice with ‘Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Beginning.’ Finally, navigate intense suspense in ‘The Seed of the Sacred Fig.’ Grab your movie squad, load up on extra-buttered popcorn, and catch these must-watch films at a theater near you!
Now, let’s take a sneak peek at what’s premiering this week:
2025 • R-13 • 1 hr 40 mins ACTION, ADVENTURE, FANTASY BUY TICKETS
A queen desperate for shape-shifting powers hires Gray Alys (Milla Jovovich), a sorceress as terrifying as she is talented. Alongside her rugged guide Boyce (Dave Bautista), Alys ventures into the eerie Lost Lands—a ghostly wilderness teeming with danger. Together, they’ll battle demons and deceit in a fable that wrestles with good, evil, and everything in between.
Ever wondered what happens when a queen’s ambition meets a sorceress’s magic? “In the Lost Lands” delivers a fantasy epic that’s equal parts thrilling and thought-provoking. With Jovovich’s commanding presence and Bautista’s gritty charm, this one’s perfect for fans of high-stakes quests. Will Alys unlock the ultimate power, or will the Lost Lands claim them all? You’ll have to see it to find out!
When teacher Mr. Deen (Jared Harris) learns his student Nate (Nicholas Hamilton) is homeless and in jail, he steps in to bail him out. But saving Nate means uncovering dark secrets and battling his inner demons. What starts as a kind gesture spirals into a raw, emotional fight for redemption.
This one’s a tearjerker with heart! “Brave the Dark” shines a light on compassion and resilience, anchored by Jared Harris’s soulful performance. If you love stories about human connection and second chances, this drama will hit you right in the feels. How far would you go to save someone? Deen’s about to show us.
Taken by French colonists centuries ago, 26 royal artifacts from the Dahomey kingdom finally return to Benin. This dramatized doc weaves their journey through the voices of historians, students, and even a repatriated statue itself.
“Dahomey” blends storytelling with real-world impact, offering a fresh take on cultural repatriation. It’s educational yet captivating—imagine a statue narrating its own homecoming! Curious about Africa’s past and present? This documentary will leave you inspired.
2025 • PG • 1 hr 25 mins ADVENTURE, ANIMATION, FANTASY BUY TICKETS
A lone cat survives a massive flood, finding refuge on a boat with a quirky crew of animals. Together, they sail through a drowned world, learning to adapt and bond in the face of chaos.
Cue the “awws”! “Flow” is an animated gem that’s as adorable as it is adventurous. Perfect for animal lovers and families, this tale of teamwork and survival will warm your heart. Can a cat lead this motley crew to safety? Grab the kids—or your inner child—and find out!
Based on true events in 2000, this drama follows Fr. Rhoel Gallardo, kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf rebels alongside students and teachers. Facing 44 days of torment, Fr. Gallardo’s faith fuels his mission to protect the captives—until a deadly military rescue unfolds.
“In Thy Name” brings a gripping story to life, with McCoy De Leon shining as the steadfast priest. It’s a tense, faith-driven drama that’ll keep you on edge. How does courage hold up against chaos? This film’s got the answer.
2024 • R-16 • 1 hr 35 mins ADVENTURE, HORROR GET SHOWTIMES
Dara defies her mom to party on a ship with friends, only to crash on a creepy, unnamed island. Trapped and terrified, they fight to escape as the island’s secrets unravel.
“Island of Death” mixes survival thrills with spine-chilling vibes. Taskya Namya leads this eerie adventure that’ll make you think twice about ignoring parental advice. Will Dara make it back home? Only the brave will watch to see!
Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson) is an “expendable” colonizing the icy Niflheim. Each death triggers a regeneration—until one glitchy rebirth throws everything into hilarious, chaotic disarray.
Robert Pattinson in a sci-fi comedy? Yes, please! “Mickey 17” blends laughs with mind-bending twists, making it a must-see for fans of quirky adventures. What happens when your backup plan backfires? Mickey’s about to find out the hard way!
2025 • PG • 1 hr 21 mins ACTION, ANIMATION, DRAMA, SCIENCE FICTION GET SHOWTIMES
Amate Yuzuriha’s quiet life in a space colony flips upside down when she’s pulled into Clan Battle—an illegal mobile suit dueling sport. This film compiles the first episodes of the epic “GQuuuuuuX” series.
“Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX Beginning” brings giant robots and high-stakes drama to the big screen. With stunning animation and a killer cast, it’s a thrilling kickoff to a new Gundam saga. Ready for some mech action? Amate sure is!
A bizarre disease targets the world’s richest, wiping out billionaires, then millionaires, and beyond. As panic spreads, people ditch their fortunes—but can anyone outrun this plague?
Talk about a plot twist! “Rich Flu” flips the script with a thriller that’s equal parts eerie and intriguing. Mary Elizabeth Winstead leads this race against a killer contagion—will wealth become a curse? You won’t look at money the same way!
Architect László Toth (Adrien Brody) flees war-torn Europe to rebuild his life and marriage in America. A powerful industrialist sees his talent, but ambition comes with a brutal price.
Adrien Brody’s intense performance anchors “The Brutalist,” a slow-burn drama about sacrifice and legacy. If you love character-driven stories with emotional depth, this one’s a knockout. Can László rise without falling apart? It’s a heavy, gorgeous watch.
Judge Iman’s paranoia spikes when his gun goes missing amid Tehran’s unrest. Suspecting his family, he turns their home into a pressure cooker of distrust and control.
“The Seed of the Sacred Fig” mixes crime and family drama with a claustrophobic edge. Misagh Zare’s unraveling judge will keep you guessing. What happens when trust crumbles?
FAN FAVORITES STILL SHOWING
Meanwhile, don’t forget to catch up on some of the movies that are still playing in cinemas – catch them before they’re gone! Here’s a list of fan favorites that are still showing in cinemas:
So, there you have it – six exciting new movies hitting theaters this week! From action-packed adventures to deeply moving dramas, this week’s new movie lineup offers something for every kind of film enthusiast. Don’t miss out—check our Movie Section for showtimes and snag your tickets today. Stay tuned for next week’s fresh releases and updates. Enjoy the movies!
