What is life if not a solitary journey, filled with challenges and surprises, treasured memories and emotions, friends and foes? If I told you that an animated film without any dialogue could fully capture the essence of solitude and life's unpredictable turns, you might be surprised. "Flow" delivers exactly that surprise.

The 2024 animated indie fantasy adventure film was written and directed by Gints Zilbalodis and Matīss Kaža, respectively. The movie stands out for its total absence of dialogue and for being entirely created using Blender, an open-source, free program.

The movie begins with the serene life of a small cat in a forest. However, things take a turn for the worse when a massive flood submerges its familiar world. With no other choice, it takes refuge in a boat. As the boat drifts through the flooded landscape, it becomes a sanctuary for other animals along the way.

The animation is brilliant in its nuances and beauty. There is an essence of surrealism in its scope, yet the realistic elements are so vividly rendered that a perfect balance is achieved. The overall setup draws the audience in, while sharp twists and a suspenseful storyline ensure there is never a dull moment.

What truly gives the movie its delicate charm is its realistic portrayal of the animals. The boat eventually becomes home to a capybara, a Labrador, a lemur, and a secretary bird. Each character retains the natural instincts of its species, making them lifelike rather than mere animated figures.

But what truly makes the movie unique is the vivid contrast between its characters. The lemur is highly possessive, constantly tending to its mirrors, bottles, and decorative pieces. The cat is timid and curious, often uncertain about its decisions. The Labrador is helpful and friendly, frequently standing up for others. The capybara, though battered by hardship, refuses to be selfish. The bird, on the other hand, is stoic and majestic, unwavering in its choices.

These contrasts reflect the diverse nature of human personalities. Each character, in their own unique way, contributes to the richness of life. Without individuality and opposing traits, life would lose all its colour and beauty. This idea is brilliantly captured in the film.

"Flow" is magnificent in its portrayal of greed and power. A pack of dogs, including the Labrador—who was originally one of them—constantly pursues the cat. Similarly, a group of secretary birds also hunts the cat. This illustrates how power is often wielded to prey on the less powerful and how humiliation and fear are used as tools of control.

With its themes of sacrifice and betrayal, loyalty and cruelty, "Flow" presents a collection of tales into a brilliant storyline. Nominated for an Academy Award in the categories of Best International Feature Film and Best Animated Feature Film, the movie has earned Latvia its first-ever Oscar nomination. The final decision on the awards is yet to come, but one thing is certain—the film has already won hearts.