A cat lives a solitary life in a forest that has remnants of some long gone human life. But when a devastating flood encompasses all that he knows he has to learn to cooperate with other species in order to survive. 

Flow is a rather beautiful animated movie that I have found quite hard to find the words that might do it justice. 

The world that cat inhabits feels somewhat like ours but also rather magical. The remnants of humanity seen in boats and houses suggest a previous existence of human life but without much in the way of technology. But the spire like mountains and statues that are dotted around seem rather alien to society as we know it. Regardless of all that it seems as though humans as cat once knew them have been gone quite some time given how nature has reclaimed the spaces we see. 

Placing cat geographically in our world seems difficult as well given the animals he encounters. Dogs that feel somewhat domesticated, a Capybara, Ring-Tailed Lemurs and Secretary Birds all appear on his journey. As well as rather large and strange looking whales that are now able to traverse these once land filled areas. And whilst there is no anthropomorphism of the animals and no talking the animation style lends them all a slightly unreal stylised look. 

The purpose of the story I believe is simply to show how one loner, who is at times wary or scared of other creatures learns that they must work with others to survive. And in fact, by doing so they will gain great benefit and become actively engaged in the wellbeing of others. 

This simple story with no words uses its camera and score to create powerful and engaging moments. The camera is fluid and swoops and flies around the wonderful landscapes. At times it made me feel as though I were a part of the story. Whilst the score engages your emotions and helps to thrill you. 

The result is an 85 minute wonder. Hang around for a scene that lasts just a few seconds at the very end of the credits as well.