Flow

NZ release: 09 January 2025

Suitable for general audiences Rated on: 26 November 2024

flow

What’s it about?

Cat, a solitary animal, must collaborate with other species on a boat to find refuge after a great flood destroys their home.

The facts

  • Directed by Gints Zilbalodis
  • Silent film (no dialogue)
  • Runtime: 85 minutes
  • Winner of Best Motion Picture – Animated at the Golden Globes 2025

Why did it get this rating?

This film was examined by the Film and Video Labelling Body. You can find out more about film ratings here.

Scary and sad scenes 

The film has some scenes that may be upsetting for very young children, however the animated style and lack of dialogue helps to lessen the overall effect of these moments. The main character and other animals fight to survive after their home is swept away by a flood, and in one scene they must survive a rising tide.

There is also an instance of near drowning, an animal stampede, and some low-level fighting between animals.

One dream -like sequence implies that an animal may have died, however it is mostly left to the viewers’ interpretation and is likely to go over the heads of young children.

When content stays with you:

We all have our boundaries, and it’s completely okay if something you’ve watched is weighing on your mind. If certain content lingers with you, consider having a chat with friends or whānau to debrief about what you’ve just seen. But if you’re still feeling affected, please reach out to any of the following helplines for support.

Further information

Recent featured decisions

20 May 2025

Violence & coarse language

When kung fu prodigy Li Fong moves to New York City, he catches the eye of a local karate champion. With guidance from Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso, Li sets out to prove himself in the ultimate karate competition.

Read more

24 June 2025

Offensive language

In this documentary, a 2013 luxury cruise goes off the rails when an engine-room fire knocks out all power – leaving over 4,000 people stranded in extreme heat with no lights, air‑conditioning, plumbing, refrigeration, or working toilets.

Read more