Of all the nominees for the 2022 Oscars ceremony, Flee is perhaps the best of the least-known films. Though the unique construction of Flee prevents it from having a commercial breakout, this Danish film received some of the most glowing reviews of 2021. As a combination documentary, memoir, and animated feature, Flee is an essential watch as one of the most distinctively crafted films of the 2020s.
Flee opens on Amin Nawabi, preparing to marry his partner Kaspar. Amin shares his life story, starting in Kabul during his childhood, eventually detailing his escape from his home and the tribulations of the refugee experience.
Amin is credited as the co-writer for Flee, though the name used is a pseudonym. Though the identity of Amin is a mystery, director/co-writer Jonas Poher Rasmussen is well-known for his documentaries Searching for Bill and What He Did. Acclaimed actors Riz Ahmed and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau serve as executive producers for the film.
Best Animated Feature
Best Documentary Feature
Best International Feature Film
*Flee is the first film to be simultaneously nominated in these three categories.*
Everything about the production of Flee, despite the emotional intensity, is expertly crafted for those who can handle the subject matter. The animation and story are objectively top-tier, with the added poignancy of its subject and LGBTQ representation. Flee is an underdog in its Oscar categories, but with 42 awards under its belt, this film proved to be one of the best of 2021.
Flee is available to stream now on Hulu!