Why the Story of Flow is Crucial for Mankind's Survival

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Flow, directed by Gints Zilbalodis and written and produced by Zilbalodis and Matīss Kaža, won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature last weekend, and rightfully so. After all, the film’s message is one that could alter the course of human history. Am I being slightly too dramatic about that? I don’t think so.

With our current political climate, natural disasters, war, and pestilence, it is no wonder that fear has become a part of our everyday lives. From the moment we wake up to the wee hours of the night, we are bombarded with fearful messaging. This, of course, is exacerbated by our already polarized society which has been functioning out of an “us vs. them” mentality for so long. So, when a film like Flow comes around, it is important that we take notice.

Flow revolves around Cat, a black feline who is deathly afraid of the outside world. We are first introduced to Cat on the grounds of his cozy home, surrounded by lush green woods. Sculptures and drawings of Cat surround this home, signifying Cat’s current state of mind. This life is all about Cat, about his safety, his comfort. But that suddenly changes when a massive flood engulfs his home, leaving him stranded atop the largest of his sculptures.

With no other choice, Cat embarks on a complex, frightening, and sometimes comical adventure, meeting other species along the way. Forced to work together in order to survive, Cat begins to see the value in these other creatures, each possessing unique strengths and weaknesses.

In today’s world, this lesson is more relevant than ever. Political polarization threatens to divide us, yet Flow reminds us of the strength found in unity. It challenges us to look beyond fear, beyond differences, and embrace the connections that help us thrive. The floods of life may be inevitable, but together, we can navigate them with trust, courage, and compassion.

We are constantly fed the idea that self-sufficiency is the ultimate goal—that to rely on others is a weakness. Social and political forces push us toward division, encouraging separation from those who think, look, or live differently than we do. Whether through social media echo chambers, partisan news cycles, or the glorification of individualism, we are subtly (and sometimes blatantly) taught to distrust those outside our immediate circles.

Flow illustrates this beautifully. Cat begins the journey alone, believing independence is enough, only to find that survival is impossible without the help of others. In the same way, we must reject the narrative that tells us to isolate ourselves. Instead, we should work toward fostering real connections, embracing the differences that make us stronger, and learning to trust in the power of community.

If we continue down a path of division, we risk losing the very thing that makes us human—our ability to come together, to learn from one another, and to build something greater than ourselves. The world may try to teach us otherwise, but Flow reminds us of the deeper truth: only through unity can we truly move forward.

According to director Gints Zilbalodis, Cat was never meant to entirely overcome its fear, but rather learn how to live with it and move forward despite it. This is a powerful distinction—fear is not something we can always erase, nor should we expect to. Instead, we must learn to adapt, to keep moving even when uncertainty and doubt creep in.

There are many reasons why we feel afraid—fear of the unknown, fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of loss. These emotions are natural and often justified. However, learning to move beyond fear is crucial for several reasons:

1. Personal Growth – Fear can be paralyzing, keeping us from stepping outside our comfort zones. But when we choose to move forward despite it, we open ourselves to new experiences, knowledge, and personal development.

2. Stronger Relationships – Fear of vulnerability can prevent us from forming deep, meaningful connections with others. Learning to trust and rely on others, as Cat does, allows us to build strong communities where we can find support and belonging.

3. Adaptability in Uncertain Times – The world is constantly changing, and fear of change can keep us stuck. However, by learning to “go with the flow,” we develop resilience and adaptability, which are essential for thriving in unpredictable circumstances.

4. Overcoming Division – Fear often fuels division—political, social, and cultural. When we refuse to let fear dictate our interactions, we can break down barriers, embrace diversity, and work together toward common goals.

5. Living a Fulfilled Life – If we let fear control us, we may never take the risks that lead to the most rewarding experiences. Moving beyond fear allows us to chase our dreams, build meaningful connections, and live fully.

Flow teaches us that fear will always be present, but it doesn’t have to define us. By learning to live with it, rather than be controlled by it, we can find strength, community, and purpose. Like Cat, we must embrace the unknown, trust in the journey, and keep moving forward—together.

Written by Michelle Noland

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