Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Superb animated "cat-astrophe" has animals in peril.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Flow
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 68 parent reviews
Parents say the film is visually stunning and showcases strong themes of friendship and resilience, but many reviews caution that it contains distressing moments that can be too intense for younger children, including scenes of animal peril and loss. While some parents and older kids found it emotionally engaging and a unique storytelling experience, others felt the content could lead to anxiety or sadness, recommending it primarily for older audiences or children who are emotionally ready for such themes.
- beautiful animation
- intense themes
- distressing moments
- not for young kids
- emotional engagement
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 20 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is an aesthetically stunning experience with beautiful animation and a unique, dialogue-free format that creates a calming atmosphere. However, many reviews suggest it's best suited for older children and adults due to its complex themes and emotional depth, which younger kids might find boring or difficult to understand.
- visual beauty
- complex themes
- age suitability
- calming experience
- emotional depth
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In FLOW, a cat's solitary, peaceful life is interrupted when its home is devastated by an epic flood. To survive, the cat bands together with a secretary bird, a capybara, a lemur, and a dog in search of dry land, navigating the many perils that they encounter on the way.
Is It Any Good?
Magical and majestic, this perilous animated adventure about a black cat who's having its own bad luck is pretty purrfect. Because cats are some of the most entertaining, endearing animals for many people, making a cat Flow's main character helps the animal's plight capture the viewer's heart and makes us hold our breath, hoping it will survive. The animals are drawn to behave realistically in their movements and sounds; there are no talking dogs here, or animals taking on human characteristics. In fact, the creatures' noises were recorded from real animals.
It's a bit of a mystery how some of the animals find themselves in the same ecosystem—capybara, elk, secretary birds, and lemurs are unlikely to cross paths in the wild—but that helps to suggest that, while the creatures' story has recognizable elements, this is a fictional world. One ethereal sequence, which may signify the death of an animal (it's up to viewers to decide), suggests that, in this animated world, anything can happen. All of that said, some kids may get antsy without the typical one-liners and pratfalls of many animated-animal movies. Older viewers are more likely to be swept away by Flow's gorgeous art and subtle storytelling.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the fact that Flow doesn't have any dialogue. Do you think this aids or hurts the story? How does this compare to movies in which animals speak to each other in a human language?
Flow was adapted from a short film that the writer-director made in high school about his cat's fear of water. What in your life might make a good subject for a story?
How do the animals grow and change during their time together? Do you think the way they behave is realistic, or do you think they're meant to be seen as stand-ins for people?
How do the characters demonstrate teamwork, compassion, courage, consideration, and perseverance? Why are these important life skills?
Discuss the lemur's obsession with material objects. What do you think the filmmaker is trying to say?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 22, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : February 14, 2025
- Director : Gints Zalbalodis
- Studio : Janus Films
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Gratitude , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 84 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : peril and thematic elements
- Awards : Academy Award - Animated Feature Winner , Academy Award - Animated Feature Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee , Common Sense Selection , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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