In a year dominated by sequels and franchise films, an independent animated feature from Latvia called "Flow" has captured the hearts of prominent directors, according to a recent IndieWire survey of 65 filmmakers.
Bill Hader, known for directing the acclaimed series "Barry," named "Flow" as his top pick of 2024. "I've watched it now three times. It makes me want to get a cat (and I'm allergic to cats)," Hader shared.
The dialogue-free animated film follows a black cat navigating a post-tsunami world alongside a diverse group of animal companions, including a dog, capybara, lemur, and bird. Created by director Gints Zilbalodis and co-writer Matīss Kaža, "Flow" has earned widespread acclaim, garnering nominations at both the Critics' Choice Awards and Golden Globes.
David Lowery, director of "Pete's Dragon," also selected "Flow" as one of his favorites, praising it as "the most healing, hopeful cinematic experience of the year." He noted how the film showcases the increasingly personal nature of CG animation.
The film's success extends beyond director endorsements, maintaining a 97% critics' rating and 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Zilbalodis himself shared his own favorites from 2024, including "My Sunshine," "Blue Sun Palace," "Ghost Cat Anzu," "Close Your Eyes," "Dune: Part Two," "Universal Language," "Good One," "The Village Next to Paradise," "Look Back," and "A Different Man."
While blockbusters like "Anora" and "The Substance" dominated box office headlines in 2024, "Flow" represents a reminder of animation's power to tell intimate, universal stories without relying on dialogue or established properties.