March 2025 saw the excitement surround the Academy Awards build as the animated film Flow from Latvia took home the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, adding a captivating chapter to the history of animated storytelling. Directed by Gints Zilbalodis, Flow not only charmed human audiences but also unexpectedly engaged a whole other group of viewers: pets. Reports have surfaced of cats and dogs alike being mesmerized by its animated visuals and engaging sounds.
The film’s unique premise and its stunningly crafted animation are not just pleasing to the human eye; it appears they hold a magnetic appeal for our furry friends as well. Many pet owners have shared their experiences through social media, shining a light on this unusual trend. For instance, Daisy, a Corgi mix, seemed riveted to the screen, her ears perked up whenever the little black kitten hero of the film faced trials and tribulations on screen. What was it about this film that caught Daisy’s attention so effectively? ”We don’t generally think of pets as a potential target audience when making films, but we’re glad that 'Flow' proved to be a special bonding experience between viewers and their dogs and cats,” expressed Matiss Kaza, the film's producer and co-writer.
After its Oscar triumph, Flow was widely discussed online, with video clips capturing the reactions of various pets as they sat enthralled during the movie. Chayse Orion, 24, shared a clip of his cat, Fishbone, who seemed particularly enchanted by the film, which led him to post online. “It liked it, which was really strange, because I’ve never seen it interact with a show like this before.” Daniel Gao, 32, had a similar experience with his cat, Karma, who he noted reacted in a surprising way during the film’s more intense sequences, occasionally looking away from the thrilling visuals. “I felt the same way too,” he admitted with a chuckle.
Celine Orosco, 29, found her Golden Retriever, Samson, also completely captivated by Flow. “It was the first movie he actually watched the whole way through. He really loved that Labrador character, every time it appeared, he perked up and seemed excited.” These interactions have given rise to a movement of sorts, with pet owners sharing stories and footage of their animals watching this unique film.
Alongside the rise in excitement for Flow, a growing trend seems to emerge: pets enjoying films made for the screen. The film’s unique use of sounds, potentially mimicking real animal noises, draws pets in a way that conventional movies may not. This realization has sparked conversation about who our audience really is when it comes to creating entertainment. There’s a certain joy in discovering that the animation connects not just with people, but with our beloved companions too.
I think many pet owners, like myself, have wanted to believe that our pets understand what they are seeing, empathizing with the characters. Although we know they might not fully grasp the allegories of climate change at play in Flow, there’s something powerful about the anthropomorphism used in film – blending relatable actions and emotions with animals we adore. As pet owners, we might project our own feelings onto them, imagining they understand our emotional responses, despite knowing they likely don’t. Yet, the shared experience of watching Flow still reinforces a bond between pets and their owners.
In particular, Flow employs open-source software which could indicate a shift in how animation is created going forward, democratizing the process and allowing more creative possibilities. If our pets are becoming part of the audience, what does this imply for future animated films? The idea of writing for two very different audiences could give birth to a new approach to storytelling where both humans and their animal companions can find wonder.
As social media continues to overflow with clips of pets watching this enchanting film, the world begins to recognize that cinema means something different for everyone—even for our four-legged friends. How touching it is to witness our pets enjoying a film about empathy, friendship, and survival in a world that reflects their own challenges and joys through the engaging lens of animation.
