Reviews
Arco
The stigma that animated movies are only for children has thankfully been dismantled in recent years. Animated films now frequently compete with and sometimes surpass live-action movies, particularly through relatable messages that resonate across generations rather than a single target demographic, and Arco is one of those rare gems that exemplifies this perfectly. It is one of the best-animated films of the year, and it would not be surprising if it appeared in several top 10 lists.
Ugo Bienvenu’s directorial debut will likely draw comparisons to Hayao Miyazaki, which is perhaps the highest praise a first-time feature-length animator can receive. Despite being set in a seemingly dystopian future, Bienvenu’s film carries heartfelt messages that are likely to resonate with all audiences. Combined with stunning animation that transported me back to my childhood through captivating and exhilarating colours, the film truly offers something for everyone.
The story follows Arco (Juliano Krue Valdi), a young boy who belongs to a group of humans capable of riding the wind while wearing rainbow-coloured clothing and diamonds on their foreheads that allow them to travel into the past. Obsessed with meeting a dinosaur, Arco is unfortunately too young to fly on his own. Like any curious child, he decides to get into mischief and steals a suit for himself. Of course, the journey does not go as planned as he ends up in 2075, a stark contrast to his life in the 30th century. And despite only being set fifty years from today, 2075 presents a grim reality with humanity living in protective bubbles to shield itself from catastrophic storms, a direct consequence of relentless climate abuse. In this world, robots are tasked with raising children while adults work far from home, communicating with their families through holograms.
Once there, Arco meets Iris (Romy Fay), a girl of roughly the same age who is troubled by having to live in a world ruined by previous generations. Her goal becomes helping Arco find a way back to his own time, and their friendship blossoms in a charming and natural way. Unfortunately, not everything is as it seems. 2075 is plagued by conspiracy theorists who are convinced that the “rainbow people” exist and have been hunting them their entire lives. These antagonists are three brothers, Dougie (Flea), Stewie (Andy Samberg) and Frankie (Will Ferrell), who wear rainbow glasses and resemble the chaotic, outrageous figures seen at the end of 28 Days Later. Their main role seems to be to add some comedic relief, which I’ll admit, they do quite well, but it remains up for debate whether or not the core message and the adventure of Arco would be negatively impacted by their exclusion.
The storyline of Arco can ultimately be seen as a message of hope for humanity. Despite the recklessness and wastefulness of both modern society and the people of 2075, Arco demonstrates that even in the face of apparent total destruction and the looming threat of climate catastrophe, humanity can endure. The film suggests that giving the world space to recover from man-made environmental damage is essential for a potentially prosperous future.
Despite its relatively short runtime, the film does have moments where the pacing lulls. As a sci-fi adventure, it is not driven by constant frenzy or high-stakes action. It focuses instead on a developing friendship and the lengths humans can go to when they work together. There are a few chase and action sequences throughout, which are enhanced by a fantastic score, adding excitement to the story. That said, the film can sometimes feel a little too gentle and peaceful when a more energetic approach might have elevated the tension.
All of this is worth it by the final sequences, as the ending is both surprisingly emotional and deeply authentic. The emotion is never forced or overbearing. It feels perfectly balanced, leaving the viewer floored and creating one of the most memorable moments of the year. The film also delivers a range of meaningful lessons that all of us as humans can take to heart.
Arco may not be completely perfect, but the world is built with such care and attention that it is impossible not to become fully invested in everything that unfolds on screen. It is beautiful and sweet without ever feeling cheesy or cringe, which is unfortunately becoming far too common. One thing is certain. The Best Animated Feature race has just become much more interesting, and I would not overlook Arco.
