I watched the most beautiful movie with no dialogue and now I'm speechless

Sometimes a movie comes along and knocks your socks off for all the right reasons – but completely without such initial expectations.

I got to experience that rare viewing experience last week, when watching Flow, an award-winning animation from 2024.

It's a beautiful film, unique in its visual style – I'd say close to a videogame, really – that features literally no dialogue whatsoever. Because it simply doesn't need to. And it's left me speechless for all the right reasons.

FLOW - Official US Trailer - YouTube

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The movie is about an unnamed cat, whose world is turned upside down when a sudden flood and ongoing rising waters change the world as it was.

Cat unusually teams up with a capybara, a lemur, a dog and a secretary bird – no, I didn't know that's what they were called either – on a floating sailboat, which they collaborate in navigating.

Flow represents a rare moment of positivity in a world fraught with war and opposition. Despite it starring animated animals, I think it's representative of the human spirit – and a way in which we should all aspire to live (minus the water levels, mind).

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The movie is by Gints Zilbalodis, a Latvian animator and director, and his craft is clearly visible to see on screen.

While, at times, Flow's protagonists can look a little gawky in their composition, the incredible motion of each is so lifelike and playful that it's truly a wonder to watch.

And how rare for a movie to have zero dialogue – literally none whatsoever. As the unlikely team progresses on their adventure, their gestures and friendship is everything – a way to cross boundaries.

I watched Flow on an American Airlines flight in the States, where it's also available to watch on Apple TV+. In other regions, however, it's a little trickier to get ahold of just yet – having only a limited released at the cinema recently.

I'm crossing my fingers for a wider release on one of the best streaming services in the UK and elsewhere, though, because Flow is one of those truly magical movie moments that feels different, fresh, new – and suitable for everyone.