If you have a desire to make animated films, look at “Flow,” the Oscar-winning feature from Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis.
Made with the free software program Blender, it has a rugged look but a smooth heart. It features no dialogue, just a few animal noises as a grayish-black cat makes its way out of a water-logged home.
An unnamed cat is the protagonist in "Flow."
Zilbalodis gives no clues about time or setting but lets us marvel at the way animals look out for one another as they escape a flooded area. The cat is soon joined by a yellow Labrador, a capybara, a lemur and a secretarybird on a boat that seems to have been abandoned. Then, it’s a matter of surviving all sorts of disasters – not the least of which is a lack of food. Luckily, the cat knows how to fish and isn’t afraid to share.
How seemingly disparate creatures bond during times of struggle is key to “Flow.” Their friendship gives us hope during our more frightening moments and says plenty about facing adversity with grace.
Animals sail through unknown terrain in "Flow."
While Zilbalodis’ style takes a little getting used to (the characters look like they were drawn with markers), his animation is unassailable. The unlikely travel partners move believably and when the cat jumps in the water you can almost feel the waves lap against its fur. Real animal sounds were used for the creatures’ voices; ambient sound makes you feel like you’re in the boat with them.
“Flow” has surprises, too (get ready for the whale), and an ending that seems oddly comforting.
A grayish-black cat leads the charge for animals in "Flow," winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
The cat is a real scene stealer (based on Zilbalodis’ pet) who moves just like one in your house. When you see its bravery, you realize you’ve been underestimating the animals in your care.
More than anything, “Flow” exhibits a kind of creativity that doesn’t fly at big-studio animation departments. It insists there are other styles of drawing, and it demonstrates how involving something so simple can be.
It's an amazing accomplishment that rivals the animals' journey every step of the way.
PHOTOS: Scenes from the 97th Academy Awards
Adrien Brody accepts the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role for "The Brutalist" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Sean Baker accepts the award for best director for "Anora during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Quentin Tarantino presents the award for best director during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Willem Dafoe presents the award for best cinematography during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Queen Latifah, center, performs "Ease on Down the Road" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Queen Latifah, center, performs "Ease on Down the Road" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Cillian Murphy presents the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Cillian Murphy presents the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Adrien Brody, left, and Guy Pearce, right, congratulate Daniel Blumberg, center, for winning the award for best original score for "The Brutalist" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Queen Latifah performs "Ease on Down the Road" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Whoopi Goldberg, left, and Oprah pay tribute to Quincy Jones during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Daniel Blumberg accepts the award for best original score for "The Brutalist" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Whoopi Goldberg, left, and Oprah pay tribute to Quincy Jones during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Walter Salles accepts the award for "I'm Still Here" from Brazil, for best international feature film during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Walter Salles accepts the award for "I'm Still Here" from Brazil, for best international feature film during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Walter Salles, center, accepts the award for "I'm Still Here" from Brazil, for best international feature film during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Joe Alwyn, from left, Alba Rohrwacher, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, and Willem Dafoe look on from rear of the stage.
Zoe Saldana presents the award for best cinematography during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Dave Bautista presents the award for best cinematography during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Penelope Cruz presents the award for best international feature film during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Alba Rohrwacher presents the award for best cinematography during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Jeremy Strong, from left, Timothee Chalamet, and Sebastian Stan in the audience during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
The In Memoriam segment during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Morgan Freeman speaks about Gene Hackman with an image of Gene Hackman on the screen during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Trent, left, and Victoria Warmerdam accept the award for best live action short film for "I'm Not a Robot" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Lisa, center, sings "Live and Let Die" during a James Bond tribute at the Oscars.
Sterling K. Brown, left, and Ana de Armas presents the award for best live action short film during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Timothee Chalamet, left, and Kylie Jenner in the audience during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Rachel Zegler, left, and Gal Gadot present the award for best visual effects during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Richard King, from left, Gareth John, and Ron Bartlett accept the award for best sound for "Dune: Part Two" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Members of the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Host Conan O'Brien, far right, on stage during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Miley Cyrus, left, and Miles Teller present the award for best sound during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Marilyne Scarselli, from left, Pierre-Olivier Persin, and Stephanie Guillon accept the award for best makeup and hairstyling for "The Substance" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Colman Domingo raises a toast during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Basel Adra, from left, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal, and Yuval Abraham accept the award for best documentary feature film for "No Other Land" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Basel Adra, from left, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal, and Yuval Abraham accept the award for best documentary feature film for "No Other Land" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Colman Domingo raises a toast during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Rachel Szor, from left, Hamdan Ballal, Basel Adra, and Yuval Abraham accept the award for best documentary feature film for "No Other Land" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Clement Ducol, from left, Camille, and Jacques Audiard accept the award for best original song for "El Mal" from" Emilia Perez" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Molly O'Brien, left, and Lisa Remington accept the award for best documentary short film for "The Only Girl in the Orchestra" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Selena Gomez, left, and Samuel L. Jackson present the award for best documentary short film during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Clement Ducol, from left, Camille, and Jacques Audiard, accept the award for best original song for "El Mal" from" Emilia Perez" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Elton John, left, and Timothee Chalamet in the audience during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Clement Ducol, from left, Jacques Audiard, and Camille accept the award for best original song for "El Mal" from" Emilia Perez" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Ben Stiller presents the award for best production design during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Daryl Hannah, left, presents the award for best film editing to Sean Baker for "Anora" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Nathan Crowley, left, and Lee Sandales accept the award for best production design for "Wicked" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Mick Jagger presents the award for best original song during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Zoe Saldana accepts the award for best performance by an actress in a supporting role for "Emilia Perez during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Zoe Saldana accepts the award for best performance by an actress in a supporting role for "Emilia Perez" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Raye sings "Skyfall" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Zoe Saldana accepts the award for best performance by an actress in a supporting role for "Emilia Perez" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Da'Vine Joy Randolph presents the award for best performance by an actress in a supporting role during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Da'Vine Joy Randolph presents the award for best performance by an actress in a supporting role during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Margaret Qualley, center, performs during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Daryl Hannah presents the award for best film editing during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Doja Cat sings "Diamonds are forever" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Doja Cat sings "Diamonds are forever" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Raye sings "Skyfall" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Lisa, center, sings "Live and Let Die" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Lisa, center, sings "Live and Let Die" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Lisa, center, sings "Live and Let Die" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Halle Berry speaks during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Host Conan O'Brien speaks during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Margaret Qualley, center, performs during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Margaret Qualley, center, performs during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
June Squibb, left, and Scarlett Johannson presents the award for best makeup and hairstyling during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Marilyne Scarselli, from left, Pierre-Olivier Persin, and Stephanie Guillon accept the award for best makeup and hairstyling for "The Substance" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Colman Domingo, left, and Raul Domingo in the audience during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Peter Straughan accepts the award for best adapted screenplay for "Conclave" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Sean Baker accepts the award for best original screenplay for "Anora" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Mikey Madison, left, embraces Sean Baker after he wins the award for best original screenplay for "Anora" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Sean Baker accepts the award for best original screenplay for "Anora" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Sean Baker accepts the award for best original screenplay for "Anora" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Amy Poehler presents the award for best original screenplay during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Colman Domingo, left, and Ralph Fiennes in the audience during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Paul Tazewell accepts the award for best costume design for "Wicked" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Shirin Sohani, left, and Hossein Molayemi accept the award for best animated short for "In the Shadow of the Cypress" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Goldie Hawn, second right, and Andrew Garfield look on from right.
Shirin Sohani, left, and Hossein Molayemi accept the award for best animated short for "In the Shadow of the Cypress" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Gregory Zalcman, from left, Ron Dyens, Gints Zilbalodis, center, and Matiss Kaza accept the award for best animated feature film for "Flow" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Goldie Hawn, second right, and Andrew Garfield look on from right.
Gregory Zalcman, from left, Ron Dyens, Gints Zilbalodis, center, and Matiss Kaza accept the award for best animated feature film for "Flow" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Goldie Hawn looks on from right.
Lily-Rose Depp, from left, Elle Fanning, John Lithgow, Connie Nielsen and Bowen Yang presents the award for best costume design during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Shirin Sohani, left, and Hossein Molayemi accepts the award for best animated short for "In the Shadow of the Cypress" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Andrew Garfield, left, and Goldie Hawn present the award for best animated feature film during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Adam Sandler in the audience during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Ariana Grande, left, and Ethan Slater in the audience during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Kieran Culkin accepts the award for best performance by an actor in a supporting role for "A Real Pain" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Kieran Culkin accepts the award for best performance by an actor in a supporting role for "A Real Pain" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Kieran Culkin accepts the award for best performance by an actor in a supporting role for "A Real Pain" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Robert Downey Jr. looks on from right.
Kieran Culkin accepts the award for best performance by an actor in a supporting role for "A Real Pain" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Kieran Culkin accepts the award for best performance by an actor in a supporting role for "A Real Pain" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. Robert Downey Jr. looks on from right.
Dancing Deadpool, left, and Host Conan O'Brien perform during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Kieran Culkin accepts the award for best performance by an actor in a supporting role for "A Real Pain" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Kieran Culkin accepts the award for best performance by an actor in a supporting role for "A Real Pain" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Robert Downey Jr. presents the award for best performance by an actor in a supporting role during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Kieran Culkin accepts the award for best performance by an actor in a supporting role for "A Real Pain" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Adam Sandler in the audience during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Robert Downey Jr. presents the award for best performance by an actor in a supporting role during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Host Conan O'Brien, center, performs during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Adam Sandler in the audience during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Ariana Grande performs 'Over the Rainbow" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Ana de Armas, left, and Zoe Saldana embrace in the audience during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Karla Sofía Gascón in the audience during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Cynthia Erivo performs "Home" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Host Conan O'Brien speaks during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Host Conan O'Brien speaks during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Cynthia Erivo, left, and Ariana Grande perform "Defying Gravity" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Cynthia Erivo left, and Ariana Grande on stage during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Cynthia Erivo performs "Defying Gravity" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Cynthia Erivo, left, and Ariana Grande perform "Defying Gravity" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Ariana Grande performs 'Over the Rainbow" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Ariana Grande performs during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Ariana Grande performs during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Shauna Robertson, from left, Edward Norton, Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet appear in the audience during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Whoopi Goldberg, left, and Oprah pay tribute to Quincy Jones during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Mark Hamill presents the award for best original score during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
Adrien Brody accepts the award for best performance by an actor in a leading role for "The Brutalist" during the Oscars on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
