*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*
Since its premiere at last year’s Sundance Film Festival, Flee has been widely praised by critics, with the majority of them saying that it “pushes the boundaries of documentary filmmaking to present a moving memoir of self-discovery”. Flee also made history when the Oscar nominations for this year’s Academy Awards were announced earlier this month as it’s currently nominated in three different categories including Best Animated Feature, Best Documentary and Best International Feature. After watching Flee, it’s easy to understand why it’s been received so favourably as it’s a powerful and eye opening documentary that details Amin’s harrowing life story through vivid and extraordinary animation. Although it’s far from the easiest of watches as Amin reflects on the trauma he experienced as a child refugee, his story is inspiring.
Because Rasmussen is friends with Amin in real life, the latter’s story is told in a respectful way which makes it all the more meaningful. Amin clearly feels comfortable opening up about his life which makes him all the more admirable as it can’t have been easy for him reflecting on the most difficult events that he experienced when he was just a child. Although Amin has a few happy memories from his childhood, including flying a kite and wearing his sister’s nightgown, they are overshadowed by the darkest parts of his life as he spends most of his life living in fear and trying to find a safe home. The theme of home is explored effectively through Flee as Amin describes home as being the place where you feel safest. Unfortunately, for him and his family, that’s easier said than done. In order to prevent the documentary from being too depressing to watch, Rasmussen reassures viewers by frequently showing Amin’s present day life as he looks for a new home with his fiancée.
Aside from his life as a young refugee trying to find a safe home, Amin also struggled to come to terms with his sexual identity as he discovered that he was gay as a child. What’s most shocking is that, in Afghanistan, there was no term for homosexuality, with members of the gay community being treated as if they didn’t exist. As a result, Amin was forced to hide his true feelings, despite his siblings frequently asking him why he doesn’t have a girlfriend yet. Despite the fear felt by Amin as a gay man, one of the most heartwarming scenes in the documentary sees Amin being taken to a gay nightclub by his older brother who reassures him. This is why I think that Flee will resonate a lot with members of the LGBTQ+ community as they’ll be able to relate to Amin as he accepts his sexuality. The documentary proves that, once self acceptance is achieved, that will lead to a more fulfilling and happier life and that is definitely the case with Amin who is engaged.
The decision to create a documentary through hand drawn animation may seem a strange decision especially because the animated genre is best associated with family friendly films that are lighthearted and fun to watch. However, Flee proves that not all animated films are aimed at children as it tells a mature story that includes serious subjects of sexuality and trauma. At this year’s Academy Awards, Flee is nominated in the Best Animated Feature category alongside fun, family friendly features including Raya and the Last Dragon, Encanto (both of which were created by Disney Animated Studios), Pixar’s Luca and Sony Pictures Animation’s The Mitchells Vs. The Machines. Although these are all strong choices for the Animated Feature Oscar (especially the latter which is my personal favourite), I would like Flee to win as its story is more meaningful.
Although we’re only a couple of months into 2022, I doubt any other film will come close to matching the emotions Flee leaves you with.
8/10
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