The Enchanting Tale of "Flow" and Its Unexpected Audience

One evening before the Oscars, my boyfriend decided to watch Flow, the charming animated film from Latvia that would later claim the Best Animated Feature award. When I returned home from dinner, I discovered that the film had not only captivated him but also caught the attention of an unexpected viewer: my dog Daisy, a corgi mix. As it turns out, Daisy isn’t the only four-legged fan of Flow. Across TikTok, videos of dogs and cats sitting glued to the screen while their owners watch the film have gone viral. These pets seem to resonate with the film’s gentle yet gripping narrative, which follows a small black cat and its ragtag group of animal allies as they navigate a surreal world threatened by rising sea levels. This adorable trend has added a heartwarming twist to Flow’s already inspiring underdog story—after all, this indie film, crafted with open-source software, triumphed over big-studio competitors like Inside Out 2 and The Wild Robot to bring Latvia its first-ever Oscar.

A Cinematic Experience That Transcends Species

Watching Flow in a theater is a mesmerizing experience, as the film’s vivid visuals and immersive world come alive on the big screen. The intricate details, from the ripple of water to the breathtaking landscapes, draw viewers into the journey of the heroic cat and its companions. But Flow isn’t just a treat for humans. When watched at home—now streaming on Max—the film offers a delightful yet different experience, especially when shared with a furry companion. As the movie plays, you might find yourself torn between absorbing the story and observing your pet’s reactions. What do they make of this cinematic adventure? Do they understand the deeper themes, or are they simply entranced by the sights and sounds?

For me, it was Daisy’s reactions that sparked curiosity. Clearly, she wasn’t grasping the climate change allegory, but her ears perked up at the sight of the fearless feline hero, and she even ran to the TV during a thrilling boat sequence, as if empathizing with the characters’ peril. It’s impossible to know for sure what she—or any pet—truly understands, but their emotional responses are undeniable. After all, Flow masterfully uses real animal sounds and carefully crafted animations that mimic real-life behavior, making it easy for pets to connect on some level.

The Pawsitive Appeal of Flow

While humans may not fully grasp what their pets are thinking, it’s clear that Flow has a unique ability to captivate animals. According to Matiss Kaza, the film’s producer and co-writer, the use of authentic animal sounds in the production might be the key to its cross-species appeal. “We don’t commonly think of pets as a potential target audience when making films,” Kaza admitted, “but we are glad that Flow has proved to be a special bonding experience between viewers and their dogs and cats.”

Pet owners across social media echo this sentiment. Chayse Orion, 24, shared that his cat, Fishbone, was so engrossed in Flow that he moved the cat’s tower closer to the TV to give him a better view. Fishbone, who had never shown interest in screens before, became so hooked that Orion now considers Flow his cat’s “favorite movie.” Similarly, Daniel Gao, 32, reported that his cat Karma closely resembled the film’s feline protagonist and seemed deeply invested in the story—though she occasionally looked away during intense moments, as if the emotions were too much to handle.

Dogs, too, are joining in on the fun. Celine Orosco, 29, revealed that her golden retriever, Samson, watched Flow from start to finish—a first for him. He was particularly excited whenever the Labrador character appeared on screen, suggesting that the film’s animal-centric narrative resonates with canines as well. While we can’t know for certain what our pets are thinking, their reactions show that Flow has a way of bridging the gap between species.

The Magic of Bonding Over Flow

The connection between humans and animals deepens as we share experiences like watching Flow. While our pets may not follow the plot or understand the themes, they respond to the emotions conveyed through the film’s sounds, visuals, and character movements. Daisy, for instance, didn’t grasp the environmental allegory, but she reacted to the characters’ voices and the tension in certain scenes. These reactions, though not fully comprehensible, create a sense of shared experience.

Flow’s success lies in its delicate use of anthropomorphism, making its animal characters relatable without losing their natural behaviors. This balance allows viewers—both human and animal—to connect with the story. While a cat, dog, capybara, bird, and lemur teaming up to survive a flood might seem far-fetched, it serves as a powerful metaphor for empathy and unity. The film reminds us that, even in the face of chaos, compassion can be a lifeline.

Why We Love Watching Our Pets Watch Flow

The joy of seeing our pets captivated by Flow stems from the same reasons we love the film ourselves. It’s a reminder of the deep bond we share with our animals, even if we can’t fully understand their thoughts. As we anthropomorphize their reactions, projecting our own emotions onto them, we feel closer to them. In essence, Flow isn’t just a film about animals—it’s a film that brings people and animals together.

Whether your pet is a cat, dog, or another furry friend, watching Flow alongside them is a heartwarming experience. It’s a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the ways in which art can transcend boundaries—between species, between creator and audience, and between reality and fantasy. As Flow continues to charm viewers of all kinds, it’s clear that this little indie film from Latvia has made a big impact, proving that connection and empathy can truly be universal.