Flow, or Straume, is a Latvian animated adventure film that has garnered attention for being the country’s entry for the 2024 Oscars in the Best International Feature category. The movie is set in a post-apocalyptic world, where the central character, a domesticated black cat, must navigate dangers alongside other animals. With its unique style and lack of dialogue, the film exudes a peaceful yet optimistic tone that sets it apart from typical animated stories. The absence of anthropomorphized animals allows for a fresh narrative, making the experience enjoyable and thought-provoking.
Flow Movie Ending Explained
The film takes place in an undefined future on Earth, where the black cat is the protagonist. The cat was once loved by its human family but now finds itself alone in a desolate, post-apocalyptic terrain. The story begins with the cat hunting for food, only to encounter a pack of dogs hunting fish. After a tense chase, the cat loses the fish but discovers a greater danger: the arrival of a massive flood. In an attempt to survive, the cat takes refuge on a sailboat that appears during the flood. The boat is already occupied by a capybara, who seems indifferent to the situation. Other animals, including a ring-tailed lemur and a secretarybird, join the group as they venture on an uncertain journey.
As the animals ride the boat through the flooded terrain, they encounter various dangers, including a deserted city and the occasional appearance of a giant whale. The cat forms a bond with the whale, which ultimately saves it from drowning at one point. The narrative is grounded in reality, focusing on survival and the hope that can emerge even in such grim circumstances.
The Absence of Humans
The film makes no direct reference to humans, but their absence is evident throughout. The setting is a future where humans have seemingly disappeared, and animals are left to fend for themselves. The cat’s past with its human family is hinted at through the numerous cat statues and carvings scattered around the abandoned house where the cat once lived. Though the film never specifies what happened to humanity, it is implied that humans are either extinct or far removed from the area. The presence of human-made objects suggests that the protagonist’s owners were once around, but their fate is left ambiguous.
There are hints that climate change may have played a role in the humans’ disappearance, given the disastrous flooding and its aftermath. While the film does not overtly address this, there is a subtle critique of human actions, leaving viewers to consider how these animals may be suffering the consequences of humanity’s past mistakes.
The animals’ world seems disconnected from reality, as many of the species featured do not typically coexist. For example, capybaras are native to South America, while secretarybirds are found in Africa. This suggests that either the animals were part of zoos or private collections, or that Earth has undergone drastic geological changes. The altered terrain further implies that humans may no longer inhabit the planet, adding to the bleak atmosphere.
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Symbolism of the Animals
The animals in Flow are intentionally non-anthropomorphized, but they can be interpreted as symbols of various human traits and personalities. The black cat is intelligent, inquisitive, and highly adaptable, making it the perfect protagonist. It represents a sharp and curious individual, always looking for solutions in times of trouble. The capybara, on the other hand, is calm and level-headed, yet it remains somewhat indifferent to its surroundings, only acting when necessary. The secretarybird symbolizes a person who is strong-willed and unwavering in their principles, even at the cost of their relationships. The lemur embodies a character focused on materialism, always hoarding treasures without understanding their true value. The dog in the group acts as the comic relief, craving attention and engaging in playful antics.
The whale is the most enigmatic of all the characters. It may symbolize an older, wiser entity, offering guidance and comfort in the face of adversity. Though the whale’s actions are subtle, it plays an important role in the story, especially when it saves the cat from drowning. The presence of the whale adds a spiritual layer to the film, representing wisdom and the passage of time.
Throughout the movie, these animals’ interactions reflect the way different people might behave in a crisis. The film suggests that survival is not just about individual strength, but also about cooperation and coming together as a group. This message becomes clearer as the characters learn to work together to survive, symbolizing the importance of community in times of hardship.
Spiritual Themes in the Film
While Flow remains grounded in reality, it occasionally ventures into spiritual territory. One such moment occurs when the cat dreams of being trapped in a circle of panicked deer, a nightmare driven by fear. This dream reflects the cat’s sensitivity and introspective nature, suggesting that the cat is more attuned to its surroundings than the other animals. Though the cat is not fully aware of its own intellectual depth, these moments of reflection add a layer of spirituality to the story.
Another spiritual moment occurs when the secretarybird dies after flying into a portal of colorful lights. This surreal moment symbolizes the complexity of death and the emotional weight that accompanies it. The cat’s reaction to the secretarybird’s death is not one of surprise, but rather one of quiet understanding, hinting at the cat’s growing awareness of the world beyond its immediate survival instincts.
The Meaning Behind the Final Scene
The ending of Flow is significant, particularly the moment when the animals look at their reflections in a pool of water. This marks the first time in the film that the group of animals sees themselves together as a collective. Their reflections symbolize self-awareness and the transition from individual survival to a shared purpose. The cat, who has been observing its own reflection since the beginning, stands apart as the most self-aware of the group, but the ending highlights the importance of unity.
The film concludes with a hopeful note. The animals, having survived together, gaze at their reflections, signaling that they have come to understand the importance of working as a team. This moment signifies a shift from individual concerns to collective survival. It is a powerful message about the value of community, even in the face of disaster.
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