An unexpected champion emerged this awards season – Gints Zilbalodis’ Blender-rendered animated fantasy adventure Flow. This dialogue-free marvel has sublime visual power and a resonant sense of cinematic wonder and deep spectacle.

The story follows a dark grey cat, who faces an unexpected battle for survival as the earth endures great floods. Along the way, it encounters a band of animals on a boat and joins their company, and this unlikely group face their unsure future together.

Flow is a masterpiece. A soulful, energetic, and fun meditation on life itself and the need for community and friendship in times of great danger and uncertainty. A celebration of the natural world and its remarkable skill for survival even in – or especially in – times of natural disaster and change.

The animals – a cat, dog, capybara, bird, and lemur, among others – are remarkably realistic, yet characteristic in their actions, as the film deftly balances harsh realities with inspiring fantasy, danger with hope, and desperation with defiance. It’s a stunningly crafted, aesthetically enchanting adventure, with innovative music and impeccable sound design. Zilbalodis’ film (which he amazingly co-wrote, directed, edited, and co-scored) is an incredible achievement in animated storytelling, and deserving of every award coming its way. It has already broken records for a Latvian feature at awards ceremonies.

Flow is a spirited and wild film experience that must be experienced and appreciated for the ground-breaking, profound feat of excellence that it is. This writer was moved, engaged and enthralled by its scope, beauty, and heart. An inspiring ode to wildlife and its resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.

Assuredly one of the best films of 2025 and a story for our times.

FLOW is our now in UK cinemas.