Beyond Talking Animals: Redefining Anthropomorphism and Nonverbal Storytelling in Flow

Abstract

  The article examines Flow, the Oscar winning animated feature by Gints Zilbalodis as a landmark in nonverbal storytelling and minimal anthropomorphism. Unlike conventional animated films, where animals are given voices and human social roles, Flow communicates without dialogue. The film communicates emotional depth and agency through sound design, body language and visual framing. It shows a restrained form of anthropomorphism where the animals retain their animality, but their gestures and interaction become legible through character-driven action. Flow models an ethical anthropomorphism that fosters empathy and offers a decisive departure from the heavily anthropomorphized tradition of mainstream animation movies.