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Flow review – beguiling, Oscar-winning animation is the cat's whiskers

Flow review – beguiling, Oscar-winning animation is the cat's whiskers

The Guardian23-03-2025

Animation as a medium and fairytales as a subject have always been natural bedfellows. You only need to look at Disney's princess industrial complex to understand that sparkle-dusted happily-ever-after is big business; that the appetite for this particular breed of magical thinking (plus associated merchandising and sequined tat) is enduringly healthy. But the beguiling, Oscar-winning, dialogue-free Latvian animation Flow, which tells of a solitary cat who must learn to cooperate with a mismatched pack of other species to survive a catastrophic flood, is a little different.
The fairytale here is not the story the picture tells – it's the story of the film itself. Created by a tiny team with a minuscule budget of about £3m, and rendered entirely on the free open-source 3D software Blender, Flow has been on a journey: its premiere in Cannes; the haul of prizes (54 to date), culminating in the Oscar for best animated feature – that is the stuff of film industry fantasy.
While the limited budget certainly shows on screen at times, it also gave director Gints Zilbalodis a considerable degree of creative freedom. With more money comes compromise and consensus film-making, plus a tendency to spoon-feed the audience rather than challenge them. Flow, however, embraces mystery: we see a disaster unfold in the same way the animals do – with no warning or context.
Zilbalodis has chosen not to explain the recent history of what seems to be a post-apocalyptic but stunningly verdant, geographically unspecified world. There are signs, in the lush forest, of human habitation and the remnants of civilisation. The cat lives in a house that appears to have once been home to a kitty-obsessed sculptor. Feline statues of varying sizes stand like sentinels in the grounds; a half-finished carving still rests on a workbench. But whether the former inhabitant has been relocated or is long since dead – perhaps along with the rest of humanity – is left open to the audience to interpret, and your reading of the background to the story very much depends on how bleakly apocalyptic your worldview is.
The cat's happy solitude in the abandoned building is interrupted by a sudden environmental disaster: rapidly rising flood waters submerge the house and the forest surrounding it. A last-minute reprieve comes in the shape of a drifting sailboat, but the cat is outraged to discover that the vessel must be shared with another passenger – an unflappable and permanently chilled-out capybara. As the boat drifts, it takes on other creatures: an acquisitive ring-tailed lemur with a weakness for shiny trinkets; a wise but haughty secretarybird; and an excitable goofball of a dog.
One of the most distinctive elements of Zilbalodis's vision is his decision to let his animals remain animals, instead of attempting to squeeze them into the mould of personhood. The character design and animation of the creatures are where the film's meagre budget is most evident, and yet behavioural details are minutely observed. The cat – a neat, slinky, self-contained little black moggy – is pure feline, from the insouciantly twitching tip of its tail to its testy chirrup of annoyance (all the animal sounds are real, rather than voice actors cosplaying) at having to share a space with other critters. As an alternative to stamping human personalities on them, Zilbalodis instead encourages us to see elements of ourselves in the animals.
Being a self-taught animator accustomed to working on his own (his previous feature film, Away, was an entirely solo project created on his computer), the director has revealed in interviews that he identifies most with the self-sufficient cat, who must learn to cooperate with others. And anyone with a tendency to hoard accessories and to overpack when travelling will feel a kinship with the lemur.
An eco-parable, Flow is not exactly mining new thematic territory; from Wall-E to Cartoon Saloon's My Father's Dragon to The Wild Robot and numerous Studio Ghibli pictures, animated movies dealing with imminent climate collapse are relatively plentiful. However, the approach of Flow, with its animals'-eye, in-the-moment immediacy and its resistance to cutesiness and anthropomorphism, is bracingly fresh and unexpected. The animation, meanwhile, transcends its financial constraints to achieve moments of shimmering, heart-swelling loveliness.
Deliberately enigmatic in approach, with its focus on tiny, cat-level details and a provocative hint that the end of humanity may not be the end of the world, Flow doesn't hammer home a single message. Other takeaways include the need to work together to survive, the value of adaptability – and that cats will always push stuff off tables given half the chance.
In UK and Irish cinemas

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Topless Sofia Vergara, 52, wears micro G-string thong while tanning by pool
Topless Sofia Vergara, 52, wears micro G-string thong while tanning by pool

Daily Mail​

timean hour ago

  • Daily Mail​

Topless Sofia Vergara, 52, wears micro G-string thong while tanning by pool

Sofia Vergara left little to the imagination when she shared an eye-popping photo of herself topless on social media. On Sunday, the Modern Family actress, 52, took to Instagram to post a thirst trap of herself wearing only a barely-there, G-string thong while sunbathing by the pool. While lounging in the pool chair, she was splayed out on a towel and had a throw pillow strategically placed beneath her arms to protect her modesty. Looking into the distance, she showcased her pert derriere and kicked one of her feet up in the air as she basked in the sun. The Griselda star — who recently put on a leggy display in a series of sexy, throwback snaps of herself from a swimsuit photoshoot — had a visor beside her as well as a bottle of sunscreen from her beauty brand Toty. She celebrated the season of summer arriving as she wrote in her caption: 'Llego el verano!' Her jaw-droppingly sexy post comes just a little over a week since she shared more racy photos with her 35.2 million Instagram followers. Late last month, she posted a slew of throwback snapshots, in which she posed in a plunging, lace-up swimsuit while lying on a couch. The actress, who was recently spotted with a handsome mystery man in Cannes, posed to show off her hourglass figure and toned legs. Her sexy summer snaps come as her rumored romance with Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton has come to an end as she has reportedly started dating another love interest. Back in January, she was first romantically linked to Hamilton during a dinner date with friends in New York City. The pair's relationship fizzled out shortly afterwards after Hamilton's interest had waned, per RadarOnline, leaving the Colombian beauty feeling 'abandoned.' Over the years, she has romanced a number of younger men, including her second husband Joe Manganiello, 48, and her ex-fiancé Nick Loeb, 49. Recently, as she was linked to a new suitor, she spoke about what she is looking for in a partner, including having money. Recently, as she was linked to a new suitor, she spoke about what she is looking for in a partner, including having money 'I want to say the basic stuff, like health and somebody that loves me,' she said about what she wants in her partner while chatting with Today hosts Jenna Bush Hager and Erin Andrews in mid-May. 'And somebody tall, handsome.' Vergara, whose net worth is estimated to be around $180 million, also said she is looking for an equitable relationship. 'I want somebody that has as much money as me or more, because if not, it's a nightmare,' she explained. 'They end up resenting you. And I want somebody fun. I need fun in my life.' She added: 'Why? Because deep down, many men are socialized to view themselves as the financial providers in relationships. 'When that's disrupted, it messes with their sense of identity and self-worth. It isn't just a matter of ego. It's biological, psychological and societal.'

15 restaurants to host your birthday dinner in Dubai
15 restaurants to host your birthday dinner in Dubai

Time Out Dubai

time2 hours ago

  • Time Out Dubai

15 restaurants to host your birthday dinner in Dubai

Roll out the red carpet, gather your friends, and let the confetti fly because it's your birthday. Dubai is the perfect city to celebrate being another year wiser and is stuffed full of fun and glamorous dining spots that would make the perfect backdrop for your obligatory birthday dinner. From rooftop dinners with panoramic views to fun and lively venues that will put a smile on your face, we've got you covered if you're looking for the perfect place to celebrate in style. Here are incredible birthday dinner spots in Dubai to take your celebration to the next level. Aretha (Credit: Aretha) If you want to be wowed on your big day, slide into a red chair at Aretha and let the show get on the road. Bringing back the bygone era, sip on something special and throw back a few oysters as the glitzy performers offer up something from the swinging sixties. Packed with a punch and some late live-music, you can dance under the disco balls all the way until 3am. Wed-Sun 8pm-3am. St Regis Gardens Palm, Palm Jumeirah. (050 621 0544). Check out our full Aretha review here Amazónico Dinner at Amazónico is always a special occasion. Whether you choose to dine on the pretty patio with its skyline views or go for a full-on dinner with the whole gang in the dining room, you are guaranteed vibes, great food and a good time. A regular Time Out Dubai Restaurant Awards nominee, its varied, eclectic menu of Latin American-inspired small plates, sushi, seafood and grills is destined to be on your birthday dinner menu. Daily, noon-3am. DIFC Pavilion, DIFC, (04 571 3999). Check out our full Amazónico review here Bagatelle Bagatelle is known around Dubai for being one of the liveliest dinner spots in the city. Party people flock here in droves to kick off a night with a good meal before dancing on the table until the early hours. Foodie offerings feature signature dishes from Bagatelle locations around the world, made with top-notch ingredients like carabineros and gamberoni imperiali, to San Marzano tomatoes, Taggiasche olives from Liguria, and burrata from Puglia. Blow out your candles from the iconic long-stem ice cream glass bowl and dance the night away. Daily 7pm-3am. Bagatelle, First Floor, Fairmont Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road (04 354 5035). Check out our full Bagatelle review here Bâoli Credit: Baoli Famous Cannes hotspot Bâoli has landed in Dubai and offers up a pretty stunning destination right by the beach. Here, you'll get modern Japanese cuisine with a hint of new Asian flavours. The jungle-themed restaurant can easily be described as having 'sanctuary aesthetics', but the vibes are anything but peaceful. The vibey and upbeat spot has amazing music blasting and well-dressed diners are on their feet dancing with sparklers in hand. Visit this J1 Beach destination on a weekend if you're in a party party mood and you definitely will not regret it. Open Sun-Wed noon-1am, Thu-Sat noon-2am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, (04 558 6381). Check out our full Bâoli review here Bar des Prés New restaurants in Dubai. Credit: Bar des Prés. Offering up a delicious fusion of French and East Asian cuisine this is the restaurant's fourth location, following others in London and Paris. The menu features seasonal ingredients and combines French and Japanese techniques, with dishes like green asparagus with caramelised miso and crunchy crab and avocado galette. While desserts are mostly French classics like Guanaja chocolate soufflé and pecan praline mille-feuille. The Parisian-inspired dining area is open for lunch and dinner. Open daily from noon-3pm and 7pm-1am. ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC, (04 498 1616). Check out our full Bar des Prés review here Bar du Port Credit: Bar du Port Perhaps one of the liveliest restaurants and bars in Dubai, Bar Du Port is a perfect spot to celebrate your birthday, especially if you're looking to dance to hit after hit when you're done eating dinner. Here you can enjoy its Mediterranean-inspired menu with dishes like slow-cooked short ribs, grilled marinated artichokes, seafood paella and more. End the meal with a sparkler-filled birthday dessert. Mon-Wed 4pm-2am, Thurs-Fri 4pm-3am, Sat 1pm-3am. Dubai Harbour Pier Club, Dubai Marina, (04 332 4868). Check out our full Bar du Port review here En Fuego Credit: Brandon Barré If you're looking for a more laid-back birthday dinner that's still full of fun, then make your way down to En Fuego. With a circus-themed tented roof, an array of decorative pieces that feature a vintage giant car hanging from the ceiling, neon signs, piñatas, llamas, and a chandelier shaped like a flamingo's head, your birthday Insta posts will definitely be next-level if you choose to party here. On the entertainment front, you can expect fire performers, aerial hoop artists, and gravity-defying aerial acrobats. It won't be a night you'll forget easily. Mon-Tues 5pm-1am, Wed-Fri 12.30pm-1am, Sat -Sun 1pm-1am. Atlantis The Palm. (04 426 2626). Check out our full En Fuego review here Gitano J1 Beach Dubai. Tulum-inspired eatery GITANO is a Mexican-themed spot that features traditional dishes as well as a 'Gypsy Disco' experience for guests. Founded by British-born James Gardner, the venue is kitted out with a modern jungle feel, branded with neon signs and of course, the iconic disco ball – a nod to its New York flair. Looking out over the beach and also with views of the Burj Khalifa, you can expect Latin American cuisine with a twist. Open Sun-Thu 11am-1am; Fri-Sat 11am-2am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, (058 566 2320). Josette If you want your birthday dinner to come with a side of live cabaret dancing, Josette is the spot for you. The Parisian-inspired restaurant is not only beautiful to look at, but it also serves up authentic French dishes with a twist. When the sun sets, Josette's stage comes alive with an expanded roster of acts, including burlesque dancers, singers and cabaret performances. Shows takes place from 8pm to 9pm before a brief intermission between 9pm and 10pm. A late-night show will then take place from 10pm until after midnight. So pick your preferred time and celebrate a year around the sun the French way. Sun-Thurs 9am-1am, Fri-Sat l (shows Wed-Sat 8pm-2am). ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC (04 275 2522). Check out our full Josette review here La Cantine du Faubourg You cannot go wrong with a birthday celebration at La Cantine Du Faubourg. The French restaurant and lounge is always buzzing, whether it's the DJ, the live singer or the stylish crowd chatting away. Sway to chart-topping tunes at this hotspot that's renowned for its music offering. In-house DJs or live bands play an eclectic mixture of top hits and chic Parisian street beats as you enjoy your meal and drinks. Mon-Thurs noon-2am, Fri noon-3am, Sat 12pm-5pm (brunch) and 7pm-3am (dinner), Sun 1pm-2am. Jumeirah Emirates Towers, (04 352 7105). Check out our full La Cantine du Faubourg review here MayaBay This Jumeirah Al Naseem spot makes for a bougie birthday celebration with friends. Perfect for large groups, the menu at MayaBay is basically a coffee table book full of Japanese and Thai dishes, ensuring that everyone on the table will have something to love on the menu. You can enjoy a Thai meal with a side of sushi while your friends dig into a steaming tower of dumplings. Daily noon-3am. Jumeirah Al Naseem, (04 275 2500). Check out our full Mayabay review here Mimi Kakushi Cool. That's the first thing that will come to mind when you step inside Mimi Kakushi. What better way to celebrate your birthday dinner than with top-notch Japanese cuisine? Expect chic 1920s vibes, as the space pays homage to the modern swinging jazz age in Osaka, with rich textures, hand-painted walls, beaded curtains and seriously Instagrammable stained glass windows. As for the food, you'll have a tough time choosing between gyoza, sushi, black cod, wagyu beef and everything in between. This is a more sophisticated birthday dinner that's all about great food and jazz music. Mon-Thu 6pm-2am, Fri noon-2am, Sat-Sun noon-4pm and 6pm-2am. Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah 2. (04 379 4811). Check out our full Mimi Kakushi review here Miss Lily's Want to dance the night away while munching on some of the best Caribbean food in Dubai? Then let us break it down for you – go to Miss Lily's. This isn't a party for the faint of heart though, so be ready to get down to some seriously cool music. It is an unmissable late-night Jamaican spot that has (rightfully) been drawing in crowds for years. So put on your trainers and jam to Afro beats, hip-hop, R&B and more. Mon 7pm-2am, Tues-Wed 7pm-1am, Thurs 7pm-2am, Fri 7pm-3am, Sat 2pm-6pm (brunch) 8pm-3am, Sun 6pm-midnight. Sheraton Grand Hotel Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, (04 356 2900). Check out our full Miss Lily's review here Nobu Dubai Credit: Nobu Dubai Despite what feels like a continuous stream of Japanese restaurants opening in Dubai, Nobu remains among the best. That you'll get an extensive choice of quality dishes fusing fine Japanese cuisine with the Peruvian influences Nobu is famous for is a given. What you'll also get here is great service, incredible mixed drinks and stellar views from its vantage point on the 22nd floor of Atlantis The Palm. In fact, when the weather is cool enough, ask for a table on the terrace. Impressive whatever the occasion. Licensed. Atlantis, The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, (04 426 0760). Check out our full Nobu Dubai review here SUSHISAMBA For a birthday dinner that's got stunning views of the Palm, you should be looking at SUSHISAMBA as your next birthday party destination. It is one of the most talked about restaurants in the city and perfect for when you want to treat yourself. f you're there at night, you'll see the brightly-lit Palm crescent stretching around at either side, while the rest of the area from Ain Dubai to Burj Al Arab glows beneath you. The menu features dishes from Japan, Peru and Brazil that you will love. Mon-Fri noon-3pm and 6pm-2am, Sat-Sun 1pm-3.30pm and 6pm-3am. The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah, (04 278 4888). Check out our full SUSHISAMBA review here In other foodie news… A fancy new licensed restaurant is now open in Dubai Hills DUO Gastrobar serves up European cuisine with an Asian touch 10 outdoor brunches with pool and beach access in Dubai Because what could be better than brunch followed by a refreshing dip? 105 stunning outdoor restaurants and bars in Dubai From rooftops to lush garden terraces, here's your list of top outdoor spots in Dubai

Rob Rinder shares brutal Rylan admission after 'feeling sense of disappointment'
Rob Rinder shares brutal Rylan admission after 'feeling sense of disappointment'

Daily Mirror

time2 hours ago

  • Daily Mirror

Rob Rinder shares brutal Rylan admission after 'feeling sense of disappointment'

Judge Rinder star Rob Rinder has opened up about his close relationship with BBC Radio 2 presenter and Celebrity Gogglebox star Rylan Clark, and the impact it has had on his life Rob Rinder has revealed that people often feel a "sense of disappointment" when they meet him in public without Rylan Clark by his side. The 47-year-old has formed a tight-knit friendship with fellow telly presenter Rylan over the past few years. Their three-part series Rob and Rylan's Grand Tour was broadcast in May 2024. ‌ The BAFTA TV Award-winning show saw an emotional Rylan discussing his divorce from ex-husband Dan Neal. The BBC Radio 2 star has since described his journey around Italy with Rob as being "like therapy", confessing he "wasn't fully over" the break up. ‌ There have been whispers about a potential romance between the two, but Rylan recently clarified that they are "just friends". This came as he paid a heartfelt tribute to Judge Rinder star Rob on his birthday, expressing that he "loves him dearly". Now, during a fresh chat between the duo on Radio 2, Rob disclosed that fans are often let down when he attends events without former X Factor star Rylan. He shared this insight while calling into Rylan's Saturday afternoon programme. Rob said: "I keep walking up to people and they know, obviously, that we're friends, but you can feel the slight sense of disappointment that they're like, 'Oh where's Rylan?' As if I'm the warm-up act. I'm like the rubbish warm-up act that no one shows up for." Rylan, aged 36, responded: "But Rob, that's what I get. Everyone goes, 'Oh, where's Rob? Where's Rob?'". Before their Italian tour together, both Rob and Rylan experienced painful separations. The programme saw them opening up about their experiences as they bonded over a drink. ‌ After scooping a BAFTA, Rylan opened up about his personal life, saying: "For me, the show, it happened at a really weird time for me like I still wasn't fully over sort of the breakdown of my marriage and was flung with the judge. It was the best therapy I needed, put it that way." Rylan continued: "I think the journey, and I hate that word in telly but it's so true, when you watch our series, that journey from when we meet to sort of how raw, especially I was at that time." ‌ Meanwhile, Rob, who celebrated his wedding to former spouse Seth Cummings in 2013 with none other than Benedict Cumberbatch leading the ceremony, later parted ways with his partner in 2018, with sources describing the split as "very sad". Launching into TV fame with Judge Rinder in 2014, Rob has since danced his way onto shows like Strictly Come Dancing, enjoyed a spot on Celebrity Gogglebox, and popped up on Good Morning Britain. Keeping his legal wits sharp, he also serves as a junior counsel at London's prestigious 2 Hare Court. Meanwhile, Rylan first came into the limelight during 2012's X Factor run. Post-X Factor fame saw him enter the Celebrity Big Brother house in January 2013, shortly after his singing contest stint, and he's since become a familiar face on programmes such as This Morning.

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